MSCI appoints ESG & climate head

Patrick Buncsi

29 October 2024

MSCI, a global investment researcher and wealthtech developer, has appointed Dr Richard Mattison to lead its ESG and climate function.

Mattison in the new role will be tasked with leading MSCI’s ESG and climate product development and business strategy.

MSCI produces a number of solutions for climate and sustainable investing, as well as carbon markets and climate research.

Mattison, an experienced climate and green finance researcher, will work closely with MSCI leadership, including chairman and chief executive Henry Fernandez and president Baer Pettit, to innovate and scale the firm’s ESG and climate product franchise and develop integrated solutions for its sustainability-conscious investors.

Based in MSCI’s London office, he will report directly to chief product officer Alvise Munari.

Mattison, who boasts more than 20 years’ experience in sustainable finance role, current serves as senior adviser to the United Nations Development Programme-developed Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), which supports businesses in assessing, reporting and acting on their nature-related concerns.

Previously, he was a member of the EU’s High Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance and a member of the People’s Bank of China’s Green Finance Taskforce, which MSCI notes were “both… instrumental in guiding policy in those jurisdictions”.

Prior to this, he was president of S&P Global’s sustainability unit, following its acquisition of Trucost Plc, a pioneer in climate analytics, in 2016 where he served as chief executive.

MSCI noted Mattison’s extensive career advising financial institutions, private firms and governments on integrating sustainability and climate change analysis into their decision making.

Munari said the business was “thrilled to welcome” Mattison to lead its ESG and climate business.

“Richard’s experience in sustainable finance, coupled with his proven track record in delivering innovative solutions, uniquely positions him to deliver on our commitment to helping investors meet their sustainability and climate goals.

“His leadership will not only drive our initiatives forward but also inspire new strategies that align with the evolving sustainable investment landscape.”

Mattison added that he was “delighted to join MSCI at such a critical inflection point,” noting that “sustainability and climate change issues are reshaping the global investment landscape”.