29 November 2021.

Today we announced two key changes to our investment team, with the retirement of chief investment officer (CIO) James Cook who will be replaced by deputy CIO Jon Fernie.

Since joining the team in 2017, James has contributed enormously to the ongoing development of the U Ethical investment proposition. On announcing his intention to step down, James commented: “While a lot has been going on across financial markets over the last four and half years, I am proud of the manner in which the team have continued to match the market’s dynamic forces with our own developments. Against a highly competitive and uncertain arena, our investment processes and our ethical stance continues to deliver the financial performance and generate the positive impact our investors and stakeholders expect.”

Following an external search in June, U Ethical’s CIO selection panel determined that current head of equities and deputy chief investment officer Jon Fernie was the ideal candidate to step into the CIO role, enabling a planned multi-month transition.

Over his five year tenure, Jon has been instrumental in the management of both Australian and global equities portfolios. With more than 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry across Australia and the UK, including a stint at global investment bank UBS, Jon holds both a Chartered Financial Analyst designation and an MBA from Melbourne Business School.

Accepting the new position Jon stated: “I look forward to building on the strong investment and ethical outcomes that James has delivered for investors over the last 5 years. We have a great team in place to maintain the momentum and I am excited about the future.”

In announcing the change, U Ethical’s chief executive officer Mathew Browning highlighted the contribution James has made to the evolution of U Ethical’s ethical investment capability. “James’s influence on U Ethical’s journey as a best in class ethical investment manager has been profound and enduring and we shall continue to enjoy his legacy for many years to come. We wish him every success with the next phase of his life and look forward to keeping in touch,” Mathew stated.

He was also quick to highlight Jon’s achievements, saying: “James will leave very big shoes to fill and it was gratifying to see Jon emerge as the best candidate to fill them, bringing deep ethical investment expertise along with continuity and stability for our clients.”

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 1800 996 888.