Index provider MSCI has appointed Melissa McDonald to the newly-created role of global head of ESG and climate indexes.

Based in London, McDonald will report to Diana Tidd, global head of index and chief responsibility officer, and Remy Briand, global head of ESG and climate.

McDonald joins MSCI with over three decades of industry experience, including her latest role at HSBC Global Asset Management as global head of product, equities, and responsible investment.

Prior to that she held various senior roles at Axa Investment Management, most recently as global head of responsible investment.

McDonald said the world is in “dire straits” due to climate change, the pandemic, and social inequalities.

MSCI stated that it is progressing its mission to increase transparency of ESG and climate-related risks to help investors build more resilient portfolios.

McDonald, the firm said, will be instrumental in driving the growth of MSCI’s ESG and climate indexes globally. 

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