The 50/50 Climate Project, a not-for-profit resource and action center for institutional investors focused on increasing the climate competency of boards of directors of large publicly traded corporations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Kamonjoh as its inaugural Executive Director.
Kamonjoh joins the 50/50 Climate Project from Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) where he served most recently as head of U.S. Strategic Research and Analysis. He previously led ISS’ ESG Research team and was a member of ISS’ Global Policy Board. Kamonjoh brings more than 14 years of experience working with some of the world’s largest institutional investors on corporate governance and ESG topics.
“I am extremely pleased to support the efforts of the institutional investor community to limit climate risk exposure at portfolio companies, said Kamonjoh. “I look forward to partnering with investors as they engage companies on climate change risk mitigation and long-term sustainable business strategies.”
“We’re delighted to have Edward steward the Project’s important mission and are excited to leverage his extensive experience and expertise as we build our capacity, going forward,” said Richard Ferlauto, member of the Governing Board of the 50/50 Climate Project.
It has been a pleasure to interact with Edward Kamonjoh several times during his years at ISS. When I learned of his new appointment, I asked what impact the Trump administration is likely to have on his new job at the 50/50 Climate Project. The following was his response:
It is unlikely that we will witness governmental action or leadership on climate change mitigation under a Trump administration. As a result, it will be up to investors to “private order” greater transparency or action around climate risk management at the most susceptible portfolio firms, including deriving meaningful information around what structural, procedural and strategic mechanisms corporate boards have in place to manage and oversee climate risk. Fewer tools on the table to address climate change could catalyze increased engagement by investors looking to curtail climate risk exposure.
That sounds a little like proxy access and the need to engage company-by-company, taking into account each firm’s corporate governance attributes. Frankly, I find it exhausting but Kamonjoh appears up to the challenge. We should all wish him well in his new assignment. For more information on the project please contact info@5050Climate.org.
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