Downing LLP appoints Roger Lewis as Head of ESG

4/7/22
5 min
ESG
News

Downing LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Lewis to the newly created role of Head of ESG. Roger joins Downing from River and Mercantile where he was Group Head of ESG and was responsible for implementing and overseeing the group’s ESG philosophy and core principles across its investment divisions. In his new role, Roger will lead Downing’s ESG strategy, reporting to James Weaver, Chief Operating Officer.

James Weaver, COO, comments:

We are delighted to welcome Roger to the Downing team – I am sure that we will benefit greatly from his wealth of experience in ESG strategy, governance, integration to investment and engagement activities, and reporting across quoted and unquoted markets. Having worked and communicated with investors across a range of asset classes as well as a deep understanding of ESG issues, Roger will play a key part in developing exciting ESG opportunities for our investors. As a business we are committed to placing ESG factors at the heart of everything we do and he will play a key role driving that agenda across our funds, investment trusts and tax-efficient products within our principal business areas of renewable energy, infrastructure, property, and healthcare.”  

Roger Lewis says:

“Having witnessed ESG go from Chief Investment Officers describing it as ‘something we are not doing’ in 2017, to being a game changer in asset management led by climate change, the number of ESG stakeholder expectations, roles, funds, tools, reports and associations continues to rapidly expand.

Capitalising on this opportunity, while avoiding the risk, requires many approaches. This is a critical time for ESG, transitioning from nascent to well established to various possible scenarios of future outcomes.

I feel privileged to be joining Downing to lead their response to this revolution and I look forward to working with their talented team to meet the future liabilities that our clients are saving for today.”

Prior to joining River and Mercantile, Roger previously worked at Aviva Investors, where his responsibilities included aligning ESG strategy and factors with investment functions across its £47.3bn Real Assets platform. He has completed the UN Principles of Responsible Investment programme, holds the CFA UK Diploma in Investment Management (ESG) and has passed Level 1 of the Chartered Financial Analyst programme. Roger is also a passionate advocate for limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.  

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Downing LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Lewis to the newly created role of Head of ESG. Roger joins Downing from River and Mercantile where he was Group Head of ESG and was responsible for implementing and overseeing the group’s ESG philosophy and core principles across its investment divisions. In his new role, Roger will lead Downing’s ESG strategy, reporting to James Weaver, Chief Operating Officer.

James Weaver, COO, comments:

We are delighted to welcome Roger to the Downing team – I am sure that we will benefit greatly from his wealth of experience in ESG strategy, governance, integration to investment and engagement activities, and reporting across quoted and unquoted markets. Having worked and communicated with investors across a range of asset classes as well as a deep understanding of ESG issues, Roger will play a key part in developing exciting ESG opportunities for our investors. As a business we are committed to placing ESG factors at the heart of everything we do and he will play a key role driving that agenda across our funds, investment trusts and tax-efficient products within our principal business areas of renewable energy, infrastructure, property, and healthcare.”  

Roger Lewis says:

“Having witnessed ESG go from Chief Investment Officers describing it as ‘something we are not doing’ in 2017, to being a game changer in asset management led by climate change, the number of ESG stakeholder expectations, roles, funds, tools, reports and associations continues to rapidly expand.

Capitalising on this opportunity, while avoiding the risk, requires many approaches. This is a critical time for ESG, transitioning from nascent to well established to various possible scenarios of future outcomes.

I feel privileged to be joining Downing to lead their response to this revolution and I look forward to working with their talented team to meet the future liabilities that our clients are saving for today.”

Prior to joining River and Mercantile, Roger previously worked at Aviva Investors, where his responsibilities included aligning ESG strategy and factors with investment functions across its £47.3bn Real Assets platform. He has completed the UN Principles of Responsible Investment programme, holds the CFA UK Diploma in Investment Management (ESG) and has passed Level 1 of the Chartered Financial Analyst programme. Roger is also a passionate advocate for limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.  

We are delighted to announce that Mark Gross, Partner and Head of Development Capital, has been named Equity Investor of the year at the HealthInvestor Power List 2024 Awards.

Following Mark’s achievement last year when he won the “Leading Investor” award at HealthInvestor’s Power50, this year’s win further highlights his continued success and expertise in investing across the healthcare sector. 

The judges praised Mark for finding success both in value and volume this year, delivering good returns and growth. They were impressed by how Mark has continued to strengthen a strong track record with further growth in the team and new funds securing further backing. We extend our thanks to Mark and the Downing Development Capital team for their continued dedication and support in expanding our healthcare investment activities with a focus on quality, performance and reputation. 

Congratulations Mark!

Development Capital  

Downing Development Capital is an award-winning investor focused on investment opportunities into asset-backed operating businesses with downside protection. Typical sectors they invest in include healthcare, specialist education, hospitality, leisure and IT infrastructure.

Learn more about our Development Capital team

Downing LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Lewis to the newly created role of Head of ESG. Roger joins Downing from River and Mercantile where he was Group Head of ESG and was responsible for implementing and overseeing the group’s ESG philosophy and core principles across its investment divisions. In his new role, Roger will lead Downing’s ESG strategy, reporting to James Weaver, Chief Operating Officer.

James Weaver, COO, comments:

We are delighted to welcome Roger to the Downing team – I am sure that we will benefit greatly from his wealth of experience in ESG strategy, governance, integration to investment and engagement activities, and reporting across quoted and unquoted markets. Having worked and communicated with investors across a range of asset classes as well as a deep understanding of ESG issues, Roger will play a key part in developing exciting ESG opportunities for our investors. As a business we are committed to placing ESG factors at the heart of everything we do and he will play a key role driving that agenda across our funds, investment trusts and tax-efficient products within our principal business areas of renewable energy, infrastructure, property, and healthcare.”  

Roger Lewis says:

“Having witnessed ESG go from Chief Investment Officers describing it as ‘something we are not doing’ in 2017, to being a game changer in asset management led by climate change, the number of ESG stakeholder expectations, roles, funds, tools, reports and associations continues to rapidly expand.

Capitalising on this opportunity, while avoiding the risk, requires many approaches. This is a critical time for ESG, transitioning from nascent to well established to various possible scenarios of future outcomes.

I feel privileged to be joining Downing to lead their response to this revolution and I look forward to working with their talented team to meet the future liabilities that our clients are saving for today.”

Prior to joining River and Mercantile, Roger previously worked at Aviva Investors, where his responsibilities included aligning ESG strategy and factors with investment functions across its £47.3bn Real Assets platform. He has completed the UN Principles of Responsible Investment programme, holds the CFA UK Diploma in Investment Management (ESG) and has passed Level 1 of the Chartered Financial Analyst programme. Roger is also a passionate advocate for limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.  

Downing Sustainability and Responsible Investment Report 2024
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Torsten Mack, Investment Director at Downing, said:

"We are proud to support this exceptional management team, whose strong track record positions them well to build a new business in dementia care. This needs-based sector is underpinned by a lack of quality supply and we are investing in Fortava Healthcare to set and deliver high standards, and to help make a difference."

Johann van Zyl, CEO at Fortava, added:

"I’m thrilled to be working with Jamie, as we share the same values. We plan to grow Fortava into a leading provider of dementia care over the next five to seven years. But growth isn’t our primary focus—our goal is to deliver outstanding care and foster a joyful, supportive environment for both residents and staff. We’re delighted to be partnering with Downing who also share our values and we look forward to this journey with them."

Jamie Stuart, CFO at Fortava, commented:

“For me, it's about being more than just another care home provider. While dementia care in the UK is generally of a good standard, we want to set ourselves apart with a fresh approach. That’s why, after over 25 years in banking, I chose to partner with Johann and Downing on this venture.”

Downing LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Lewis to the newly created role of Head of ESG. Roger joins Downing from River and Mercantile where he was Group Head of ESG and was responsible for implementing and overseeing the group’s ESG philosophy and core principles across its investment divisions. In his new role, Roger will lead Downing’s ESG strategy, reporting to James Weaver, Chief Operating Officer.

James Weaver, COO, comments:

We are delighted to welcome Roger to the Downing team – I am sure that we will benefit greatly from his wealth of experience in ESG strategy, governance, integration to investment and engagement activities, and reporting across quoted and unquoted markets. Having worked and communicated with investors across a range of asset classes as well as a deep understanding of ESG issues, Roger will play a key part in developing exciting ESG opportunities for our investors. As a business we are committed to placing ESG factors at the heart of everything we do and he will play a key role driving that agenda across our funds, investment trusts and tax-efficient products within our principal business areas of renewable energy, infrastructure, property, and healthcare.”  

Roger Lewis says:

“Having witnessed ESG go from Chief Investment Officers describing it as ‘something we are not doing’ in 2017, to being a game changer in asset management led by climate change, the number of ESG stakeholder expectations, roles, funds, tools, reports and associations continues to rapidly expand.

Capitalising on this opportunity, while avoiding the risk, requires many approaches. This is a critical time for ESG, transitioning from nascent to well established to various possible scenarios of future outcomes.

I feel privileged to be joining Downing to lead their response to this revolution and I look forward to working with their talented team to meet the future liabilities that our clients are saving for today.”

Prior to joining River and Mercantile, Roger previously worked at Aviva Investors, where his responsibilities included aligning ESG strategy and factors with investment functions across its £47.3bn Real Assets platform. He has completed the UN Principles of Responsible Investment programme, holds the CFA UK Diploma in Investment Management (ESG) and has passed Level 1 of the Chartered Financial Analyst programme. Roger is also a passionate advocate for limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.  

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Downing LLP does not provide advice or make personal recommendations and investors are strongly urged to seek independent advice before investing. Investments offered on this website carry a higher risk than many other types of investment and prospective investors should be aware that capital is at risk and the value of their investment may go down as well as up. Any investment should only be made on the basis of the relevant product literature and your attention is drawn to the risk, fees and taxation factors contained therein. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances of each investor and may be subject to change in the future. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Downing LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 545025). Registered in England No. OC341575. Registered Office: Downing, 10 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6AF.

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