Private Equity
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International
Responsible Investment Forum: Europe London 2021
9 - 10 November 2021,
Hilton Tower Bridge London
The longest running global event for ESG in private markets
The longest-running private equity forum focused on bringing together fund managers, institutional investors, and expert advisors to discuss ESG issues across alternative asset classes will return to London on 9-10 November, co-hosted with the PRI. The key theme for this year will be climate change and the route to net-zero. Hear from the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance who will discuss their approach, expectations of managers and the impact on capital allocation.
Connect with your peers through interactive workshops, networking breaks, evening drinks reception, roundtable discussions and invite-only breakfasts. Build lasting relationships and compare best practices with your peers.
Book now to be a part of the must-attend event for alternative asset professionals with an interest in ESG and responsible investment. There will be additional opportunities for those unable to travel to participate remotely.
Co-hosted with
What can you expect at the Responsible Investment Forum?
Event content with value
The key theme for this year will be climate change and the route to net-zero. Learn from industry experts and get insight into the path to net-zero, sustainable value creation, the rise of impact investing, making data useful for investors and fund managers, an EU and SFDR regulatory update, as well as ESG approaches in the US and Japan.
Build a valuable network
Connect with industry participants in all aspects of responsible investment. Network in-person at interactive workshops, networking breaks, evening drinks reception, roundtable discussions and invite-only breakfasts. Build lasting relationships and compare best practices with your peers.
Meet institutional investors
Hear from institutional investors who are looking to increase their exposure in the industry. Benefit from our expansive European investor community who will be in attendance throughout the forum. Current investors include AP6, Dai-ichi Life International, EBRD, Phoenix Group, World Bank Pension, and many more.
Keynote speaker
Hear from Christian Sinding, CEO and Managing Partner of EQT on what moving to net-zero practically means for private equity. Discover practical steps for developing an approach to ESG at the longest-running private equity event focused on sustainability.
Speakers confirmed in 2021
Connect with responsible investment and ESG professionals
Testimonials from attendees
Anna Follér
Sustainability Manager, AP6
As an investor in private equity only, the PEI Responsible Investment Forum is our number one go to event for learning, sharing and networking around ESG.
Clara Camara
Legal Counsel, Crest Capital Partners
As a first-time attendee, it was very useful to understand the urgency of being more demanding with ourselves and with portfolio companies. It was great to lear…
Delilah Rothenberg
Executive Director & Founding Member, Predistribution Initiative
The forum is one of my top go-to events every year. It is a key meeting point for industry professionals to learn from and get to know one another.
Clara Camara
Legal Counsel, Crest Capital Partners
As a first-time attendee, it was very useful to understand the urgency of being more demanding with ourselves and with portfolio companies. It was great to learn from the best in market.
View the 2021 agenda
The Responsible Investment Forum: Europe will take place on 9-10 November, all timings are in GMT, UK time zone.
For more information on the agenda, please contact Charles Gould.
charles.g@peimedia.com | +44 (0)203 879 3893
View agenda page
Agenda
Day 1 - Tuesday 9th
Plenary
08:45 - 08:55
Chair’s introduction
Christopher Springham
08:55 - 09:05
PRI update
09:05 - 09:40
The ICI journey: interpreting and acting on the latest guidance
Emilie Bobin,
Cornelia Gomez,
Dr Serge Younes
- Update on latest guidance from the ICI, what are the priorities?
- How collaboration can help PE lead the way
- Meeting net zero within the churn nature of a PE portfolio
- What are the main highlights from the latest guidance?
09:40 - 10:20
Net-zero asset owners: how investors are aligning themselves with the Paris agreement
Michael Cappucci,
Anna Follér
- Update on latest initiatives and opportunities for convergence
- How are asset owners getting to net zero? Is capital allocation being impacted?
- How are LPs assessing managers on commitment to net zero?
- Priorities for the next five years asset owners
10:20 - 10:45
Keynote interview: what moving to net zero practically means for private equity
Christian Sinding
10:45 - 11:00
An Introduction to the Science Based Targets Guidance for Private Equity
Tim Clare
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee & networking
Plenary
11:30 - 12:10
Sustainable value creation: How ESG has moved from a cost centre to a value driver
Tomas Sys,
Anders Misund,
Adam Black,
Joana Castro
- Getting buy-in from the investment team, how are the heads of ESG working with the deal partners?
- Working via underlying GPs to create value through ESG
- Partnering with portfolio companies to create value through ESG
- Examples of work on ESG adding to multiple paid at exit
Moderator: Tomas Sys, Principal, UK M&A and ESG Advisory Lead, Ramboll
12:10 - 12:30
Case study: outlining how a leading GP has approached climate across its entire portfolio
- Simplifying the approach to climate across the business
- The challenge of measuring carbon footprint of all portfolio companies
- How data has been utilised to manage risks and opportunities associated with climate
- How transforming the approach to climate has had a positive impact on returns
12:30 - 13:15
Making data useful: are we drowning in ESG data?
Maaike van der Schoot
- How can service providers make their offerings more relevant to private markets?
- To what extent are the reams of data being made use of?
- How are LP requests changing?
- How best to engage with the portfolio on data requests
13:15 - 14:15
Lunch
Stream A - Impact Investing
14:15 - 14:55
The continued rise of impact investment in private markets
Sweta Chattopadhyay,
Silva Deželan
- Outlining the considerations for a traditional GP launching an impact strategy
- Dedicated funds vs integration with ESG: to what extent are the two worlds merging?
- What can PE funds moving into impact learn from impact specialists? How do strategies differ?
14:55 - 15:30
Investor expectations on impact
Claire Elsdon,
Ana Lei Ortiz
- Can impact be on parity with returns in?
- Do investors need to adjust their mandates to account for impact performance?
- What data do investors want to see and which frameworks are they using?
- To what extent are investors concerned by greenwashing?
15:30 - 16:05
Is standardisation on reporting of impact any closer?
Richard Burrett,
Phil Davis,
James Magor
- Update on the impact management project and other methodologies
- What frameworks are funds using to demonstrate impact?
- How will things develop in the next decade as the space grows?
Stream B - Other Asset Classes
14:15 - 14:55
To what extent is ESG now fully incorporated within the private debt investment process?
Sabrina Fox
- Update on the latest initiatives around private debt and ESG
- What are the remaining barriers to ESG implementation in private credit?
- How are LP demands around ESG on credit investments changing?
14:55 - 15:30
Why managing climate risk is crucial to driving returns in infrastructure investment
Fabian Gröne,
Mary Nicholson,
Simon Whistler
- Possible implications of COP 26 on infrastructure investors
- Assessing climate risk within a typical infrastructure portfolio
- Opportunities created by the move to net-zero
15:30 - 16:05
Why ESG is crucial to driving returns in real estate investments
- Proving the value of investing responsibly
- Risk/return profile of impact investing
- Engaging with landlords and tenants on ESG
- Opportunities of net-zero buildings and danger of value destruction for older buildings not meeting ESG credentials
Around the world of ESG
16:15 - 16:45
Keynote discussion: Spotlight on ESG in Japan
Peter Dunbar,
Jun Tsusaka
- Comparing implementation in Japan to elsewhere in the world
- What are Japanese LPs demanding on ESG? Are allocations being made based on ESG merit?
- How are Japanese GPs innovating when it comes to ESG?
Peter Dunbar, Private Equity Specialist, UNPRI
in conversation with
Jun Tsusaka, CEO, CIO and Chairman of ESG Committee, NSSK
16:45 - 17:15
Keynote discussion: Spotlight on North America
Alan Kao,
Megan Starr,
Jake Levine
- Will the new Biden administration will boost ESG in the States in all areas of investment?
- Is the US still lagging behind Europe or is this an outdated view?
- How is impact taking hold in US beyond the mega funds?
Alan Kao, Principal, Ramboll
in conversation with
Megan Starr, Global Head of Impact, Carlyle Group
&
Jake Levine, Chief Climate Officer, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
Networking Roundtable Discussions
17:15 - 18:00
Networking Roundtable Discussions: Emerging topics
Alison Hampton
Led by an expert moderator, the roundtables will create an informal environment to discuss and debate ESG opportunities across different private equity strategies. Delegates will be able to move around tables, maximising networking and learning opportunities
- ESG in venture: Alison Hampton, Founder, Alma Verde Advisors
- Biodiversity
- ESG in secondaries
- Carbon Trading
- B-corps
- Renumeration
- ESG Linked Credit Facilities
- Value creation
18:00 - 18:00
Close of day one
Agenda
Day 2 - Wednesday 10th
Plenary
09:00 - 09:10
Chair’s introduction
09:10 - 09:40
Case study: Net-Zero from commitment to execution
James Hilburn
- Net Zero by 2050 – why is this a GP problem?
- Short-termism – why interim targets matter and how to set them credibly?
- Ensuring alignment between the GP and portfolio company on the Net Zero imperative
- Where to start? Practical tips for a decarbonisation roadmap
Facilitator: James Hilburn, Director – Financial Services, Carbon Intelligence
09:40 - 10:10
Case study: highlighting why net-zero initiatives are a value creation necessity for PE
Vicki Kerrigan,
Chloë Sanders
10:10 - 10:45
Utilising data to shape your approach to climate
- Implications of regulatory changes and where you need to be
- What kind of data is useful to identify climate impact?
- How to avoid errors such as double counting carbon emissions
- To what extent is climate-based data shaping investment decisions?
10:45 - 11:15
Coffee & networking
Plenary
11:15 - 11:50
Defining what is meant by human rights for PE investors and how to address any issuesl response to climate change?
- What is the level of responsibility for managers?
- Valuing human rights during due diligence
- How to react when there is an issue within your supply chain with practical examples
- New regulations on modern slavery and what it means for fund managers
11:50 - 12:30
Practical ways to address diversity within a PE portfolio
- Are LPs demanding enough? To what extent are allocations being impacted?
- Working with portfolio companies when your own house may not be in order
- Examples of how targets and new initiatives have moved the needly
- Moving beyond just gender diversity
12:30 - 13:00
Regulatory update: where are we now and preparing yourself for upcoming changes
Simon Witney
- Snapshot of where the industry is with SFDR
- What are the implications of the new SFDR guidance?
- How is the EU taxonomy shaping strategy?
- What’s coming next in Europe and globally?
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch
13:30 - 14:00
Q&A and Networking Roundtable Discussions on the Science Based Targets Guidance for Private Equity
Plenary
14:00 - 15:30
Regulatory networking workshop
Simon Witney,
Martin Bresson
Led by Travers Smith the room will be split up into small group discussions to discuss the latest developments in regulation and practical approaches to them.
Room breaks up into roundtable discussions
- EU taxonomy reporting for companies and asset managers
- Diversity and inclusion in the workplace: responding to #MeToo and other topical issues for portfolio companies
- Legal and regulatory acquisition due diligence and exit planning
- Incentivising management to achieve sustainability targets
- Portfolio company governance best practices
- Tax governance and ethics
14:45-15:30
Another session of roundtables so delegates can cover two of the discussion topics
- EU taxonomy reporting for companies and asset managers
- Diversity and inclusion in the workplace: responding to #MeToo and other topical issues for portfolio companies
- Legal and regulatory acquisition due diligence and exit planning
- Incentivising management to achieve sustainability targets
- Portfolio company governance best practices
- Tax governance and ethics
Lead facilitator: Simon Witney, Senior Consultant, Travers Smith
Speakers confirmed for 2021
For more information on speaking opportunities please contact Charles Gould.
charles.g@peimedia.com | +44 (0)203 879 3893
Adam Black
Head of ESG & Sustainability, Coller Capital
Adam has spent his entire near 30-year career within ESG and sustainability (the past 13 years employed within alternative finance). Much of his direct finance experience has been with the private markets (notably private equity buy outs, real estate… Read full bio
Emilie Bobin
Partner, PwC
Emilie joined PwC’s Sustainability Team in France in 2007, where she is now Partner. Emilie has solid Private Equity sector expertise, built through close collaboration with leading actors since 2008. She works on ESG due diligence, PE houses ESG and… Read full bio
Martin Bresson
Public Affairs Director, Invest Europe
Martin is Invest Europe's Public Affairs Director. He is head of Invest Europe’s existing team of five experienced public affairs staff who represent the interests of the association’s 650 private equity, venture capital, infrastructure and long-term… Read full bio
Richard Burrett
Chief Sustainability Officer, Earth Capital
Richard is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Earth Capital and is also a member of the Investment Committee. Richard has spent over 35 years in international banking. In his 20 years at ABN AMRO he worked in corporate and structured finance. As Glo… Read full bio
Michael Cappucci
Senior Vice President - Sustainable Investing, Harvard Management Company
Michael Cappucci is the senior vice president for compliance and sustainable investing of Harvard Management Company (HMC). He joined HMC in 2012. Michael helps to manage HMC’s sustainable investment program, where he focuses on integrating ESG facto… Read full bio
Joana Castro
Principal and Head of Primary Fund Investing, Unigestion
Joana Castro is a Principal and Head of Primary fund investing at Unigestion. Joana is also responsible for ESG in the Private Equity team. She joined Unigestion in September 2016. Joana began her career in 2007 in investment banking at Goldman Sachs… Read full bio
Sweta Chattopadhyay
Investment Director, Moonfare
Sweta is an Investment Director at Moonfare, with responsibility for investments sourcing and due-diligence across Private Markets asset classes. She has over a decade of experience as a Limited Partner investor, investing in Private Markets Funds an… Read full bio
Tim Clare
Director - ESG Advisory, Anthesis Group
Tim is Anthesis’ Director for ESG Advisory Services. Tim has over 25 years of experience in consulting; during that time, he has worked extensively with private equity, starting with M&A transaction support and more recently helping his clients a… Read full bio
Phil Davis
Director of ESG, Helios Investment Partners
Phil joined Helios Investment Partners in August 2020 to take responsibility for Helios’ ESG activities across the investment lifecycle. He has 15 years of relevant professional experience, working in over 25 countries around the world. He was previo… Read full bio
Silva Deželan
ESG Director, Stafford Capital Partners
Prior to joining Stafford Silva worked for Robeco where she was responsible for ESG integration and the implementation of ESG engagement across different private equity programs. Before this role Silva oversaw the Responsible Investing Program at Rab… Read full bio
Peter Dunbar
Private Equity Specialist, UNPRI
Peter Dunbar is a Private Equity Senior Specialist within the PRI’s Investment Practices team. Peter has 20 years experience in the asset management industry, and before joining PRI, was a Senior Manager in the private markets team of Capital Group f… Read full bio
Claire Elsdon
UK Director - Capital Markets, CDP
Claire Elsdon leads CDP’s UK Capital Markets team. Claire works with investors and capital markets actors to request and utilise critical climate, water and forest impact data from the companies they finance, through CDP’s global disclosure process.… Read full bio
Anna Follér
Sustainability Manager, AP6
Anna Follér joined the Sixth Swedish National Pension Fund (AP6) in 2014 as sustainability manager. Anna’s work includes supporting the investment organisation in integrating ESG factors into the investment and ownership processes as well as refining… Read full bio
Sabrina Fox
Chief Executive Officer, European Leveraged Finance Association
Sabrina is the Chief Executive Officer for the European Leveraged Finance Association, an investor-only trade association comprised of European leveraged finance investors from over 40 institutional fixed income managers, including investment advisor… Read full bio
Cornelia Gomez
ESG Director, PAI Partners
Cornelia is Head of ESG and Sustainability at PAI Partners. She is a Sustainability expert and key intermediary between Investors, Deal Teams and portfolio companies. With her team, she embeds ESG in PAI’s investment processes, such as due diligence,… Read full bio
Bryn Gostin
Managing Director - Head of Product Development & Strategy, Capital Dynamics
Bryn is a Managing Director on the Business Development team, where he is the Head of Product Development & Strategy and Co-Chair of Responsible Investment Committee. He is also a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to joining Capital Dynami… Read full bio
Fabian Gröne
Partner, EQT Partners
Fabian Gröne joined EQT Partners in 2008 in Munich and worked in Stockholm from 2013 until 2014. Mr Gröne relocated to Singapore in 2017 to build and lead the Infrastructure activities in Asia. Prior to joining EQT Partners, Fabian worked at Goldman… Read full bio
Alison Hampton
Founder, Alma Verde Advisors
Alison is the founder of Alma Verde Advisors, which she set up to provide consultancy and training services to private equity and other investors on responsible investment strategies. She is also an independent advisor at Sancroft, the sustainability… Read full bio
James Hilburn
Director - Financial Services, Carbon Intelligence
James Hilburn is a Director at Carbon Intelligence where he leads the firm’s Financial Services sector, partnering with financial services clients to turn sustainability into an area of distinct competitive advantage. Carbon Intelligence has a deep e… Read full bio
Dörte Höppner
Chief Operating Officer, Riverside Europe
Ms. Dörte Höppner joined Riverside in 2017, bringing extensive experience in European private equity. She serves a multifaceted role, leading Riverside’s initiatives in Europe and working closely with the Global Talent Management and Fundraising… Read full bio
Alan Kao
Global Director, ESG Services, Ramboll
Alan Kao is a Principal at Ramboll and also serves as their Global Director for ESG Services. Alan helps corporate and financial sector clients develop ESG policies, programs, and management systems; identify ESG risks and opportunities during due di… Read full bio
Vicki Kerrigan
Lead of Private Equity - UK, PwC
Vicki helps clients achieve successful transactions throughout the deal process and portfolio company lifecycle. She is a member of our global private equity team and has wide experience of working for corporate clients but particularly private equit… Read full bio
Ana Lei Ortiz
Managing Director, Hamilton Lane
Ana is a Managing Director at Hamilton Lane, based in the firm’s London office, where she leads the Relationship Management Team in London and is responsible for all aspects of European client relations including portfolio construction and strategic… Read full bio
Jake Levine
Chief Climate Officer, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
Jake Levine most recently served as Associate and Policy Advisor at Covington & Burling, advising clients on a broad range of policy, regulatory, litigation, and commercial matters related to climate, clean energy, and clean air. Prior to joining… Read full bio
James Magor
Director - Sustainability, Actis
James joined Actis’ Sustainability team in January 2016, where he works with portfolio companies on environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects to enhance value and sits on Actis’ Risk Committee. James has over 16 years of experience in respon… Read full bio
Anders Misund
Partner and Head of Nordics, EQT Partners
Anders Misund joined EQT Partners in Oslo in September 2007. Anders is Partner and Head of Nordics. Anders graduated with a M.Sc in Business Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration majoring in finance, with e… Read full bio
Mary Nicholson
Head of Responsible Investment, Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets
Mary is the Head of Responsible Investment for Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA). Supported by a global team of experienced sustainability professionals, Mary sets and guides implementation of best practices globally across MIRA’s inves… Read full bio
Chloë Sanders
Head of ESG, CVC
Chloë Sanders is Head of ESG at CVC. Based in London, she joined CVC in 2010 having previously worked in Commercial Law and Technology at a private practice law firm. Chloë holds a Certificate in Business Sustainability Management from the Cambridge… Read full bio
Christian Sinding
CEO and Managing Partner, EQT
Christian Sinding joined EQT Partners in 1998 from AEA Investors Inc., a leading U.S.-based private equity firm, and is CEO and Managing Partner. Christian holds a Bachelor of Science (in Commerce) degree from the University of Virginia, which he rec… Read full bio
Christopher Springham
Sustainability/ESG Advisor to Boards and Impact Investors
Christopher Springham spent over a decade working at board level to build one of the world's most successful wind energy component manufacturers. LM Wind Power became the first global industrial business to achieve carbon neutrality in 2018. Together… Read full bio
Megan Starr
Global Head of Impact, The Carlyle Group
Megan Starr is the Global Head of Impact for The Carlyle Group. She is based in New York. In her role, Ms. Starr works to design and execute Carlyle's cohesive, long-term impact strategy. She also oversees the dedicated ESG team, which leads the firm… Read full bio
Tomas Sys
Principal Consultant, Ramboll
Tomas Sys leads Ramboll’s Compliance, Strategy, and Transaction Services (CST) in the UK. The CST service line provides a broad range of environmental, health & safety and social risk services supporting global investors throughout the entire investm… Read full bio
Jun Tsusaka
CEO, CIO and Chairman of ESG Committee, NSSK
Jun Tsusaka is a Founding Partner, CEO and CIO of Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko Ltd. (NSSK), an investment firm established in 2014 and focused on Japan’s middle market. He is also the Chairperson of the NSSK ESG, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. NSSK… Read full bio
Maaike van der Schoot
Responsible Investment Officer, AlpInvest Partners
Maaike van der Schoot is AlpInvest Partner’s Responsible Investment Officer and oversees the development and implementation of the Responsible Investment policy. She joined AlpInvest Partners in 2002. Prior to her current role, she was an investment… Read full bio
Simon Whistler
Senior Specialist, UNPRI
Simon joined the PRI in June 2018, and leads the organisation’s infrastructure workstream. He works with the infrastructure investor community to support their understanding and implementation of responsible investment within the asset class. This ha… Read full bio
Simon Witney
Senior Consultant, Travers Smith
Simon is a senior consultant at Travers Smith with over 25 years' experience in regulatory, transactional and fund formation disciplines. Having been a prolific writer and regular speaker on company law and corporate governance throughout his career,… Read full bio
Dr Serge Younes
Senior Vice President - Head of Sustainability, Investindustrial
Serge is the Head of Sustainability at Investindustrial, responsible for Sustainability, Responsible Investing and sustainable growth. He leads a team of highly experienced sustainability experts to deliver tangible value and impact in the investment… Read full bio
Sponsorship opportunities
For more information on available sponsorship opportunities please fill in the enquiry form.
holly.j@peimedia.com | +44 (0)20 7566 5444
Network with the European responsible investment industry
In its 12th year, the forum is a firmly established event in the industry’s calendar. Join 300+ attendees this November to connect with institutional investors, fund managers, specialist responsible investment and impact managers, and the wider ESG community for two days of learning and networking. This is a must-attend event for those with an interest in ESG in private markets.
The in-person networking experience
Meet investors with a focus on ESG
Network with active investors in responsible investment. Benefit from our expansive European investor community who will be in attendance throughout the forum.
Network in-person once again
Connect with your peers at interactive workshops, networking breaks, evening drinks reception, roundtable discussions and invite-only breakfasts.
Build new connections at the forum
Current investors include AP6, Dai-ichi Life International, EBRD, Phoenix Group, World Bank Pension, and many more.
Pre-Event Resources
Past attendee list
Previous attendees included Civen, DWS, EBRD, Exponent Private Equity, Hg, Montagu Private Equity, Pension Protection Fund, Stepstone Group, YIELCO Investments, and many more.