RIAA executive director Louise O’Halloran steps down (Clarification)

(Clarifies that O’Halloran’s departure is gradual)

Louise O’Halloran has decided to step down as executive director of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), after 11 years in the role.

In a statement, RIAA said Sarah Clawson would act in the role of interim general manager looking after the association’s overall adminstration while a replacement for O’Halloran was sought. O’Halloran’s departure will be formally announced at RIAA’s 8th Responsible Investment Conference in Melbourne at the end of this month.

The RIAA said that O’Halloran will continue working for the organisation until November, notably on developments within the RI Academy.

“RIAA’s members have been incredibly fortunate to have a passionate and dedicated servant like Louise,” said RIAA Chair Duncan Paterson. “Her time at RIAA has been characterised by creativity and growth in our membership base, as the responsible investment community grows.”Under O’Halloran’s watch, the RIAA has grown to represent more than A$650bn (€549bn) in assets under management. Its members include investment managers, consultants, superannuation funds, faith-based investors and insurance companies.

The RIAA listed several of O’Halloran’s achievements as executive director. These include: a certification programme for responsible investment products and services; an online financial adviser course; RIAA’s international conferences; and the RI Academy, an online curriculum with more than 600 users worldwide.

The RIAA has grown to represent more than A$650bn in assets

Said O’Halloran: “I have been fortunate to work with deeply committed and exceptionally bright people, particularly the various board members of the RIAA. That said, there is so much more that can be achieved in this area, and that I want to be a part of.”