RadiantESG Global Investors has made three strategic hires that will accelerate the build out of an investment capability focused on creating next generation ESG investment opportunities for institutional and wealth management clients globally.
The firm, which launched last month with the backing of HSBC Asset Management, was co-founded by Heidi Ridley and Kathryn McDonald, former CEO and Head of Sustainable Investing for Rosenberg Equities respectively.
RadiantESG Global Investors’ first three senior hires will report to McDonald and all join from Rosenberg Equities. The trio bring a combined 50-plus years of experience in utilising quantitative techniques in fundamental investing and have extensive experience working with complex ESG data sets and integrating ESG insights into US and global equity strategies across the cap spectrum.
Mauricio Bustos joins as Head of Data & Technology after spending more than 22 years at Rosenberg Equities in a variety of research, data and technology positions. In his most recent role as Data Architect, he was responsible for architectural guidance on software and data systems, technology research and driving strategic decisions for Big Data and Machine Learning technology adoption, as well as being an early developer of visualisation tools. Mauricio is a Chartered Financial Analyst and has a BSc in Aerospace Engineering and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the HAAS School of Business at UC Berkeley.
Harry Prabandham will be the firm’s CIO. After 10 years in software and corporate M&A, his tenure with Rosenberg Equities exceeded 14 years, spanning long only and long/short strategies as portfolio manager and Deputy CIO for the Americas before he was appointed Head of Multi-Factor & Alpha Strategies. He is skilled in quant research coding languages and the development of portfolio analytics tools. Harry has a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Bangalore University, a Masters in Computer Science from the Indian Statistical Institute and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Kevin Lin, who joins as a Senior Portfolio Manager, spent over 17 years at Rosenberg Equities. He was most recently Principal Researcher of Multi-Factor and Alpha Strategies, and lead portfolio manager for the firm’s small cap strategies. Kevin has an MS in Statistics from Stanford University and a Masters in Financial Engineering from the HAAS School of Business at UC Berkeley. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
All three will be equity owners in RadiantESG Global Investors and bolster the firm’s diversity profile.
Heidi Ridley, Co-founder & CEO, says: “We are absolutely thrilled to be reuniting with Mauricio, Harry and Kevin. Two decades of working together has led to the high level of trust and respect that allows for the candid and open discussions that we believe are the foundation for enhanced decision making. To be successful in one of the most competitive industries in the world where results are intensely scrutinised, we need to leverage the competitive advantage of diversity in backgrounds and perspectives and the benefits of an inclusive culture built on core principles. In doing so, we are confident we will attract and retain credible, experienced and forward-thinking investors who bring thoughtful and nuanced judgment to the art and science of investing that is critical in a rapidly changing environment characterised by material evolution in the expectations and needs of our constituents.”
Kathryn McDonald, Co-founder & Head of Sustainability and Investments, adds: “We are delighted to be joining forces with former colleagues who are so energised by our vision and mission in forming RadiantESG. Any one of them would have been an excellent addition to our team, but the combination of the three is very powerful. Not only are we aligned on shared values and a united purpose, their complementary skill sets and shared experience will enable us to accelerate the expansion of our investment capability and incorporate the latest advancements in technology and data.”
RadiantESG Global Investors is a female-owned, independent asset manager with deep expertise in equity investing and ESG data analysis, research and insight. The firm intends to launch two investment strategies later this year anchored in its proprietary ‘Positive Change’ approach to ESG which captures ESG Leaders, ESG Evolvers and Impact Leaders (UNSDG-aligned companies). The strategies will aim to address shifts in demographics and growing demand for more sustainable investment solutions.
While RadiantESG will seek an additional strategic partner for collaboration on product development and distribution support in the US and key markets, the firm will maintain majority ownership, independence, and autonomy in executing on its ambition to pave the way toward a better future, embracing ESG considerations as a necessity in building sustainable investment portfolios; at the same time, carving a path for women and minorities for generations to come.
