UK-based Henderson Global Investors, one of the most prominent firms in
socially responsible investment, has moved to allay fears that its
elimination last month of the post of head of corporate engagement,
held by Rob Lake, means a reduced commitment to the field.
Lake was responsible for engaging with companies on their social and
environmental performance. Henderson explained: ‘Our policy of engaging
with companies is still important. However, it is clear that the
broking and analyst community has a strong influence on corporate
governance as well, whether it be environmental, social or economic.
Because of this we have created a new role of head of company and
broker relationships in the business to make sure we not only engage at
an individual corporate level but across the board. We see it as
important that we engage with both the broking and company communities
with a single voice.’
Lake said he could not comment on the decision, but a source close to
Henderson told EP: ‘Clearly it has been decided that work of the kind
that Rob has been doing is no longer required.’ Lake has become
well-known in the SRI world, having led the asset manager’s campaigns
on tax avoidance and responsible bank lending, and served on working
groups for the Global Reporting Initiative and the UK Operating and
Financial Review, as well as on the UK Social Investment Forum board.
