T. Rowe Price has laid the framework for greater integration of ESG analysis into investment decisions with the hire of Maria Drew as director of research, responsible investing.
Drew, who joins from Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM), will partner with head of corporate governance Donna Anderson and the firm's investment teams to develop and integrate an ESG framework across geographies and asset classes.
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T. Rowe Price is currently a signatory to global responsible investing initiatives such as Investor CDP, the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment and the UK Investor Forum.
The newly created role allows for a "more holistic approach to integration of ESG factors" into the firm's investment process, T. Rowe Price said.
During her nine years at GSAM, Drew was an equity analyst, portfolio manager and ESG specialist. She has also previously held analyst roles at Putnam Investments and Delaware Investments, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Drew will report to group CIO and co-head of global equity Rob Sharps, and will be based in London.
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Commenting on the appointment, Sharps said: "Environmental, social and governance factors are important in any comprehensive investment research process.
"We are pleased to have someone of Maria's calibre and experience on our team to further develop and integrate ESG considerations into our investment process."