A leading figure in the global ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) movement has been appointed as an Honorary Professor at Alliance Manchester Business School.
Sacha Sadan has been Director of ESG at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) since 2021 in a role that was specifically created to help the organisation develop and advocate its approach to sustainable finance both domestically and internationally.
Multiple roles
During his career Sacha has been an asset owner, fund manager and global stewardship director. Before joining the FCA he was Director of Investment Stewardship at Legal & General Investment Management, one of the largest asset managers in Europe. He is also a former senior UK Equity Manager at Gartmore where he co-managed a range of UK equity hedge, retail and institutional funds.
In 2016 he was recognised in the Financial Times as one of the 30 most influential people in the City of London, while in 2021 he was also named by the Financial News as one of the biggest 25 names who have been instrumental in shaping the UK's financial services industry. Sacha is also an alumnus of The University of Manchester, holding a BA(Econ) in Accounting and Finance.
Humbled
Sacha said he was “truly humbled” to be joining AMBS. “I have been a good friend of Alliance Manchester Business School for many years, working with talented academics who are at the very forefront of research into ESG issues.
“It is a real honour and accolade to now make my relationship with AMBS more formal and to offer my practical knowledge and experience to both academics and students. I am really excited about sharing ideas and connections with AMBS, and playing my part in developing evidence-based research into such a crucial area as ESG. As an alumnus it is also wonderful for me personally to be given this title by The University of Manchester.”
Knowledge
Professor Fiona Devine, Head of AMBS, said: “We are delighted that Sacha is joining AMBS as an Honorary Professor. Sacha has worked with academics in our Accounting and Finance division at the School for many years and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the ESG agenda which is so critical for all businesses and organisations today. He will also bring invaluable insights of this agenda to all our students.”
Policy
In his present role Sacha is leading a new ESG division in the development of policy that will help to ensure the long-term safety and soundness of firms, the proper functioning of markets, and the protection of consumers.
The FCA is also supporting a market-led transition to a more sustainable economy, in recognition of the government’s commitment to a net zero economy by 2050 and ambitions around the provision of sustainable finance.
The FCA is also currently working internationally for a set of clearly defined and world-class sustainability metrics via the International Sustainability Standards Board.
