Green moves: Challenger, AusBiotech

Challenger has appointed Charlotte O'Meara as head of responsible investment.

The annuity provider said O'Meara is tasked with leading the ESG framework across the investment teams at Challenger, helping the life and funds management businesses integrate ESG factors into investment strategies and decision-making.

O'Meara has been a senior ESG specialist for the last five years, working closely with Challenger's investment manager Fidante and its 17 affiliate partners.

She consults on ESG integration, particularly the management of ESG risks in their investment portfolios.

The responsible investment professional started her career as a risk and compliance analyst within the EY consulting practice before moving to the Pendal Group.

She joined Challenger as a risk professional in 2016 but quickly moved into ESG covering the global regulatory landscape, climate risk and PRI reporting,

O'Meara is also responsible for the firm's modern slavery statement and leads the modern slavery working group in developing the risk and control framework in operations and the supply chain.

The responsible investment professional contributes to several industry bodies, representing Challenger on the FSC ESG Working Group, the Responsible Investment Association Australasia Human Rights Working Group, and Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking.

In other moves, AusBiotech - dedicated to the development, growth and prosperity of the life science industry -  has added an ex-pharma external government affairs leader to its team.

Stephen Richardson has stepped into the role of senior manager of policy and external affairs bringing a strong background in healthcare policy and years of experience in the innovative medicines and vaccines industry.

AusBiotech noted the recruit's experience in patient advocacy, stakeholder management and government relations.

"I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to join AusBiotech at a pivotal time for Australia's life sciences industry," Richardson said.

"I am looking forward to using my expertise in policy and external engagement to help shape the operating environment for AusBiotech members."

Before working at AusBiotech, Richardson spent 12 years at Sanofi, the innovative global healthcare company, most recently as corporate policy lead.

AusBiotech has also welcomed Rose Mary Petrass as a communications adviser.

A former journalist at FS Sustainability, Petrass has reported extensively on sustainability, climate change, ESG and responsible investing.

"AusBiotech's members are at the forefront of solving critical challenges and I look forward to working with members, amplifying their voices, and continuing to raise the profile of Australia's thriving life sciences industry," she said.

"Ensuring our members' voices are heard within and beyond the sector will remain a top priority. Their skills and experience will help support our more than 3000 members as they advance Australia's life sciences sector."