Green moves: Australian Ethical, Optus

The $13 billion fund manager is welcoming a former Perpetual executive to its investment team.

Nathan Parkin has been appointed Australian Ethical's head of equities, effective June 13, and will play a critical role in steering the ethical manager's investment performance.

He brings more than 30 years' experience across Australian financial markets, including as deputy head of equities, portfolio manager and equities analyst at Perpetual.

Parkin was most recently the investment director and co-founder at Ethical Partners Fund Management before it shut its doors last year after seven years in operation. He was also posted at 452 Capital as equities analyst for seven years and enjoyed a stint at the ASX early in his career.

Commenting, Australian Ethical chief investment officer Ludovic Theau said Parkin's appointment is another milestone in execution of its strategy.

"Nathan brings a depth of knowledge and expertise in responsible investment leadership, and his appointment builds on the exceptional talent we already have," Theau said.

Meantime, UN Global Compact Network Australia has welcomed Optus' sustainability chief Helen Maisano to its board.

Maisano brings more than 25 years of experience in community investment and corporate responsibility, having previously worked across the NGO sector before establishing Optus' corporate social responsibility team.

At the Singtel-owned telecommunications giant, she leads the sustainability team's strategy development, focusing on creating shared value initiatives that benefit both the business and the broader community.

In addition to establishing the corporate social responsibility function, Maisana launched the Optus Future Makers in 2016 -  an accelerator that supports social start-ups using technology to address societal challenges.

The programme has since expanded across Singtel's global operations.

She also spearheaded the development of Digital Thumbprint, Optus's digital citizenship programme launched in 2013, which aims to promote responsible technology use.

Before joining the telecommunications giant, she held senior positions at gaming and wagering company Tabcorp and World Vision Australia.

She has served on the Leadership Council of the Shared Value Project for six years, an initiative that promotes business strategies combining competitive advantage with social and environmental improvements.

"Helen's experience across sustainability strategy and stakeholder management will be a valuable contribution to our network," the UN Global Compact Network Australia board said on social media.

"We look forward to working together to drive meaningful change."

Maisano described her appointment as a "privilege", adding: "It's an honour to serve an organisation that plays a vital role in mobilising businesses and wider stakeholders to create a sustainable future."