Waygood steps away from Aviva Investors to set up think tank
Steve Waygood (pictured) has stepped away from his role as chief sustainable finance officer – and nearly two decades at Aviva Investors – to become the new founding CEO of think tank the Finance Transition Centre (FTC).
The think tank will focus on mobilising capital to accelerate the global shift to a sustainable economy.
Commenting on the move, Waygood said: “It has been an exceptionally difficult decision to leave Aviva Investors, but I look back on my time here with immense pride. I’ve had the privilege of working with an exceptional range of colleagues and leaders, and together we’ve achieved a great deal, from launching new initiatives and institutions to catalysing broader movements for change.
“I particularly want to thank Mark Versey and Amanda Blanc for their outstanding support. It has made a real and lasting difference. I also want to thank Mirza Baig for his exceptional stewardship of the sustainable investment team, which continues to be left in his very safe hands.
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He explained the FTC will build on the work he has helped catalysed through the Sustainable Finance Centre for Excellence.
“For example, I will continue to collaborate with governments, the private sector and global institutions, helping shape the financial system’s response to the sustainability imperative. Early priorities include helping policymakers and shapers understand the finance system better. I also have plans to contribute to the UK G20 Summit in 2027, the UK G8 in 2028 and continuing to work with the great team at the OECD on Global Transition Governance.
“Transitioning the finance system onto a more sustainable footing is now more urgent than ever.”
A statement from Aviva Investors said: “We extend a massive thank you to Steve for all his energy and expertise over the past two decades at Aviva Investors.
“Aviva investors’ overall sustainability approach, and team, continues to be led by Mirza Baig, chief sustainable investing officer, as it has been for the last five years. A member of Aviva Investors’ Global Executive Committee, Mirza continues to be responsible for setting Aviva Investors’ sustainability strategy, defining policies, delivering systematic and impactful ESG integration and stewardship frameworks across both public and private markets, whilst also overseeing Aviva Investors’ sustainable fund platform.”
See also: Aviva Investors’ Waygood: We need a complete rethink of international financial architecture