PGIM continues commitment to ESG with newly created global head of ESG role

PGIM has appointed Eugenia Unanyants-Jackson to the newly created role of global head of ESG, effective immediately, according to an announcement from the Newark-based asset management firm.

Unanyants-Jackson, who joined PGIM Fixed Income in 2020 as head of ESG research, will be based in London and report to the chief operating officer, Taimur Hyat. She will be responsible for “shaping and coordinating” the environmental, social and governance strategy and approach across the business, as well as engaging with external parties.

Unanyants-Jackson was most recently charged with continuing to integrate ESG considerations into all aspects of the fixed income investment process, analyzing ESG risks and opportunities and assessing potential negative or positive impacts on the environment and society.

During her tenure at PGIM Fixed Income, Unanyants-Jackson led the development of its proprietary tool, ESG Impact Ratings, which helped clients invest according to their ESG preferences, and oversaw the publication of its first ESG annual report.

“PGIM’s multi-manager model allows for each business to integrate ESG considerations optimally for their specific asset class and investment style. However, in recognition of the critical importance of ESG across our client base, we want to invest in further enriching our ESG expertise, research, analytical capabilities and industry leadership across PGIM,” Hyat said. “With over a decade and a half of specialist expertise in sustainable investing and ESG, Eugenia not only brings an incredible breadth of knowledge, but also true leadership in the investment management industry as we drive new ways of thinking about ESG analysis, integration and engagement.”

Building on the foundation Unanyants-Jackson established, PGIM Fixed Income has named John Ploeg and Armelle de Vienne as co-heads of ESG Research for PGIM Fixed Income, based in London and Newark, respectively. They will report to Richard Greenwood, head of credit.