The Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) and CareSuper are calling for nominations from finance professionals for the Michael O’Sullivan ESG Rising Star Award.
Michael O’Sullivan was the founding president of ACSI and a former chair of CareSuper. He was well known and highly respected in the superannuation industry and is regarded as a pioneer in the responsible investment movement in Australia and globally.
The Michael O’Sullivan ESG Rising Star Award aims to advance ESG integration by developing the next generation of ESG advocates within the profit to member superannuation sector. The winner of the award will receive funding to attend the PRI in Person Annual Conference or ICGN Annual Conference. The Award is valued at up to $10,000.
CareSuper CEO Julie Lander said “Michael advocated passionately to improve investment outcomes for fund members and the community generally through sustainable thinking and action. He was a leader and an inspiration, and CareSuper is immensely proud to sponsor this award.”
ACSI CEO Louise Davidson said “Michael O’Sullivan played a very significant role in the adoption of active ownership and ESG by Australian super funds. He was committed to mentoring younger staff and teaching them about ESG integration, a legacy that this award continues to uphold.
Entry to the award is open to professionals aged 40 and under (at 31 March 2020) and who are employed by one of ACSI’s Australian member superannuation funds. People who meet these criteria and are passionate about integrating ESG risks and opportunity into investment decisions should apply.
Completed entries must be received by 5.00pm on 3 March 2020. The winner will be announced at the ACSI Annual Conference on Friday 8 May 2020 at The Hilton in Sydney.
For additional information about this release please contact:
Nathan Robertson
Executive Manager, Corporate Affairs
Australian Council of Superannuation Investors
M: 0423 874 662
E: nrobertson@acsi.org.au
About Michael O’Sullivan
Michael O’Sullivan was ACSI President from its foundation in 2001 until 2011, Chair of CareSuper for three separate two-year terms, and Deputy Chair in the intervening years. He passed away in 2013.
About ACSI
Established in 2001, ACSI exists to provide a strong, collective voice on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues on behalf of our members. Our members include 39 Australian and international asset owners and institutional investors. Collectively, they manage over $2.2 trillion in assets and own on average 10% of every ASX200 company.
Our members believe that ESG risks and opportunities have a material impact on investment outcomes. As fiduciary investors, they have a responsibility to act to enhance the long-term value of the savings entrusted to them. Through ACSI, our members collaborate to achieve genuine, measurable and permanent improvements in the ESG practices and performance of the companies they invest in.
ACSI staff undertake a year-round program of research, engagement, advocacy and voting advice. These activities provide a solid basis for our members to exercise their ownership rights.
About CareSuper
CareSuper is the largest industry fund specialising in super for people engaged in professional, managerial, administrative and service occupations. CareSuper returns all profits to members, which means more money for retirement. CareSuper is the creator and financier of this award in honor of its former Director and Chair, Michael O’Sullivan.