ESG house Oekom Research opens London branch, headed by ex-Vigeo Eiris relationship manager Duhra

Move follows opening of a New York office last month

Sustainable investment rating agency Oekom Research has this week opened a new branch in London, following the launch of a branch in New York in June.

The Munich-based firm has appointed Jaspreet Duhra, former Senior Client Relationship Manager at Vigeo Eiris, to head up its London arm, in the role of Senior Manager Client Relations.

In June, Oekom opened a New York branch headed up by Ariane De Vienne, former Managing Director at Cornerstone Capital, the ESG–focused financial services and research firm founded by Erika Karp, the former head of Global Sector Research at UBS.

In addition to these new subsidiaries, Oekom has been running a Paris office since 2011, and has had a representative in Netherlands since the start of the year under ESG consultant Robert Klijn.

Commenting on the expansion, Oekom CEO Robert Haßler, said: “Expanding and intensifying our operations in the UK is a very important step for us: in our capacity as a partner and service provider for sustainable investments,a local presence is the only way we can offer the market players adequate onsite support.

Expanding and intensifying our operations in the UK is a very important step for us

“The political changes emerging from the Brexit vote, and new fundamentals that will follow the UK’s departure from the EU will in no way impair our commitment to the UK market.”

“Throughout my 10-year career in sustainable investments, Oekom Research has always been a benchmark and model example for me,” said new London head Duhra. “Its pioneering spirit, innovative strength and meticulous quality demands are iconic qualities of the company. I’m therefore all the more delighted to be able to contribute my know-how and experience to this company and in the service of sustainability.”