PRI appoints David Atkin CEO

1 November, 2021. London. The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) announced today the appointment of pensions industry leader David Atkin as CEO. Atkin will become CEO on December 10, 2021, taking over from Fiona Reynolds, who announced her decision to step down in June this year.

Launched in New York in 2006, the PRI works to understand the investment implications of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and to support its international network of more than 4,300 signatories with over US $121 trillion of assets under management.

David joins PRI with a wealth of experience working directly in the investment industry. He previously served as CEO of three Australian asset owners: Cbus, ESS Super and JUST SUPER and most recently as Deputy CEO of investment manager AMP Capital. In addition, David begins the role with a strong understanding of - and commitment to - PRI’s mission, having previously served as a PRI Board Director between 2009 and 2015.

Martin Skancke, PRI Chair, commented: “After an extensive global search, PRI is very pleased to appoint David Atkin as CEO. David is a passionate and authentic leader with a deep understanding of mission-driven organisations, and a highly experienced and effective manager. David brings a strong understanding of the needs of PRI’s signatories to the organisation, with a sophisticated knowledge of the priorities and management of asset owners gained from his time in the investment industry. 

He is ideally suited to lead PRI at a time of continued growth in its presence and membership around the world, which has been expertly led by Fiona Reynolds for the past nine years. As David takes on the CEO role, we are also tremendously thankful to Fiona for her contributions.”

David will join PRI from 15 November 2021 in an advisor role with Fiona Reynolds staying on as CEO until 10 December when David formally takes the role. Fiona will stay on in an advisory capacity at PRI until early in the New Year to ensure a seamless transition and continuity for PRI’s global signatory base. David will relocate to PRI’s headquarters in London from Australia in March next year.

David Atkin said: “I am very excited to be given this opportunity to lead the PRI in its next phase of meeting the needs of its broad and diverse signatory base. Responsible investment has entered the mainstream and today, for the first time, the majority of investors around the world recognise the importance of incorporating ESG factors into their investment and ownership activities.

I look forward to working with the Board and our talented team around the world to ensure that the PRI continues to provide the necessary support to enable our signatories to implement the six principles for responsible investment. Now more than ever, these principles play a critical role in helping institutional investors meet the needs of their beneficiaries, customers and the global community.”

Fiona Reynolds, PRI CEO, commented: “I am delighted that a leader of David’s calibre and experience will take over as PRI CEO. I have known David for more than 20 years, and he is a natural leader who is passionate about sustainable investing. He has incredibly strong knowledge and experience of the powerful role investors can play as stewards of capital, and will be an asset to PRI as it continues to grow. It has been a privilege to lead the PRI for the past nine years, and as I relocate to Australia, wish David every success in the role. He and I will be working closely together to ensure a smooth transition.”

Press Contact:

Duncan Smith
Head of Press, PRI
[email protected]
T: +44 (0) 203 714 3166