Private Equity
International
International
Responsible Investment Forum: Europe London 2024
20 - 21 November 2024,
155 Bishopsgate London
The leading global event for ESG in private markets
The Responsible Investment Forum series brings together the most sophisticated institutional investors, fund managers, expert advisors, and highly recognized thought leaders. Providing an opportunity to discuss developing sustainable investment strategies that can enhance returns.
The European event, now in it’s 15th year, is the flagship bringing together thought leaders from Europe and across the world. The speaker roster is a who’s who of sustainability leaders across private markets and it’s where the latest initiatives are discussed and announced.
Don’t miss your chance to connect with industry leaders, fund managers, and visionary thought leaders at this unique event.
2024 Key Themes
- The continued evolution of the sustainability function within European private equity
- EDCI Annual Update: leveraging EDCI Insights for value creation
- ICI initiative update: advancing decarbonisation pathways at both fund and portfolio company levels
- The integration of ESG into value creation plans
- Investor perspectives on the significance of sustainability on investment decisions
- Portfolio company perspectives on sustainability and ESG performance improvement
- SFDR Update: how does the regulation work in practice?
- Allocator insights on impact: guidance on what LPs should look for and how funds can make themselves investable
- Sustainability and climate integration in private credit
- How to practically approach biodiversity as an investor
- Navigating complex supply chains in private equity
- Assessing AI’s impacts on sustainability and the sustainability role
What can you expect at the event?
Event content with value
Across a packed two-day content led agenda, hear from an esteemed line-up of 100+ responsible investment and ESG professionals who will share their insights and expertise on the key trends and themes impacting the industry. Learn how they’ve addressed challenges in their organisation and leave equipped with best practice to take your business forward.
Build a valuable network
Connect with your peers throughout the forum during a range of networking breaks, interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, an evening drinks receptions and invite-only breakfasts.
Meet institutional investors
Advance your fundraising by building new relationships with leading investors who are looking to increase their exposure. Previous attendees include AlpInvest, AP6, AustralianSuper, Guys and St Thomas Foundation, Hamilton Lane, Railpen and many more.
Interested in sponsoring Responsible Investment Forum?
Shake hands with prominent global institutional investors, fund managers, consultants, and highly recognised associations to build effective ESG strategies focused on value creation and ROI.
3 global opportunities to:
• Raise your visibility as a figurehead in a crowded ESG market and align your brand with PEI’s global and diverse event portfolio.
• Differentiate your brand and stand out from your competitors by collaborating as a thought leader across leading global ESG events in private equity, infrastructure, and private debt.
• Raise your reputation as an expert in ESG amongst existing and future clients.
• Get ahead of ESG and impact fund regulations and be the go to provider in industry developments setting you apart from your competitors.
Get in touch with us today and let us put your company at the forefront of the industry.
2024 speakers include:
Testimonials from attendees
Alan Kao
Ramboll
Fantastic to see the progress on climate, diversity, human rights being made by so many investors!
Bill McGilivray
Ogier
The best conference I’ve attended in a very long time. Great content and speakers and very enthusiastic attendees make the 2 days well worthwhile.
Marina Johnson
Actis
Fantastic opportunity to meet with peers, to connect and challenge each other. Very well organised and run.
Apply for a complimentary investor pass
A limited number of complimentary passes are available for eligible allocators and institutional investors to join the event.
Complimentary investor passes are limited to foundations, endowments, trusts, insurance companies, single family offices, sovereign wealth funds and pension funds who are actively making fund commitments and do not engage in third-party fundraising activities or collect fees for advisory/consulting services.
Apply for a pass and a member of our team will be in touch to confirm your eligibility.
2024 Agenda
For more information on the agenda, please contact Charles Gould.
charles.g@pei.group | +44 (0)203 879 3893
View agenda page
Agenda
Responsible Investment Forum: Europe 2024 - Tuesday 19th
18:00 - 08:00
Responsible Investment Forum Pre-Event Welcome Reception (invitation-only for LPs and GPs)
Begin your networking early at the opening reception taking place at an iconic London location. Enjoy spectacular views of London and expand your network with the brightest leaders in sustainability while indulging in pre-function appetizers, aperitifs, & cocktails.
Sponsored opportunity for 3 service providers to sponsor the event and send 3 attendees
Agenda
Responsible Investment Forum: Europe 2024 - Day One - Wednesday 20th
07:30 - 08:45
Breakfast in a private room for GPs and LPs
Hosted by Key ESG
Plenary
08:45 - 09:00
Chairpersons opening remarks
Christopher Springham
Christopher Springham, Formerly VP – Communications and Sustainability, LM Wind Power GE Renewable Energy Business
Christopher Springham
Formerly VP - Communications and Sustainability, LM Wind Power GE Renewable Energy Business
Read bio
09:00 - 09:25
Keynote Discussion: General Atlantic partnership with Actis – how sustainability and infrastructure is at the centre of a landmark transaction for private markets
Gabriel Caillaux,
Shami Nissan
Keynote Discussion: General Atlantic partnership with Actis – how sustainable infrastructure is at the centre of a landmark transaction for private markets
09:25 - 10:00
The continued evolution of the sustainability function within European private equity
Michael Marshall,
Alan Kao,
Daniel D'Ambrosio,
Denise Odaro
- Comparing sustainability team designs: eg inhouse vs. external consultants
- Strategies for ESG leaders to effectively engage with portfolio companies, deal partners, and value creation teams
- To what extent are sustainability heads involved in due diligence processes and throughout the entire investment lifecycle?
- How is AI going to impact the role of sustainability heads? And how is it already being used?
Moderator: Alan Kao, Principal and Global Director, ESG Services, Ramboll
10:00 - 10:40
EDCI Annual Update: leveraging EDCI Insights for value creation
Greg Fischer,
Ben Morley,
Katharina Neureiter
- Presenting the latest discoveries from the EDCI and a deep dive into the data
- Understanding how LPs utilise the data in practice: navigating uniform metric standards while prioritising materiality in benchmarking
- Insights into the correlation between sustainability efforts and financial performance in private markets
- Analysis of findings from the newly introduced net-zero metric: exploring its interaction with the PMDR and NZIF
- Assessing measurable outcomes within individual portfolio companies after three years of implementation: what progress have GPs observed?
Moderator: Greg Fischer, Partner & Director, Boston Consulting Group
Co-Facilitator: Ben Morley, Partner and Associate Director,BCG
Networking
10:40 - 11:10
Coffee ＆ networking
Plenary
11:10 - 11:50
ICI initiative update: Advancing decarbonisation pathways at both fund and portfolio company levels
Mark Fischel,
Serge Younes,
Natasha Buckley
- To what extent are firms engaging with SBTI’s to validate decarbonisation strategies? Considering why some firms do not plan to set targets
- Practical steps for enhancing data collection, quality, and transparency in implementation efforts
- Exploring the complexities of scope 3 emissions and their status within private markets
- Case studies and guidance to drive emissions reduction through supplier engagement
11:50 - 12:25
The integration of ESG into value creation plans
Jennifer Flood,
Adinah Shackelton,
Aditya Vikram,
Zara de Belder
- Balancing the long-term positive impact from ESG initiatives when the benefits may be realised by subsequent owners
- Exploring avenues beyond mere energy conservation to identify tangible benefits derived from comprehensive ESG practices
- Moving beyond anecdotes: how do you demonstrate value & measure outcomes?
- Highlighting case studies where ESG implementation has increased exit valuations and overall returns
12:25 - 13:00
Investor perspectives on the significance of sustainability on investment decisions
Jennifer Wilson,
Karin Bouwmeester ,
Maaike van der Schoot,
Jonathan Hirschtritt,
Anna Grgic
- To what extent is ESG impacting investment decisions?
- How are LPs integrating the EDCI within their wider data requests?
- LP views on the effectiveness of ESG strategies in driving long-term value and mitigating risks
- What are the new areas LPs are asking managers about?
Moderator: Jennifer Wilson, CEO & Founder, Re:Co
13:00 - 13:20
Biodiversity Case Study: how a leading fund manager is approaching this emerging topic
Networking
13:20 - 14:15
Lunch
Track A - Impact Investing
14:15 - 14:20
Opening Remarks
Christopher Springham
Christopher Springham, Formerly VP – Communications and Sustainability, LM
Christopher Springham
Formerly VP - Communications and Sustainability, LM Wind Power GE Renewable Energy Business
Read bio
14:20 - 15:00
Evolution of the impact investing market: opportunities, trends and challenges
Julie Wallace
- As ‘impact hushing’ increases, is the impact label a good thing for fundraising at present?
- Is the pool of impact-orientated capital growing?
- Which themes and sectors within the impact market present the best return potential?
15:00 - 15:45
Allocator insights on impact: guidance on what LPs should look for and how funds can make themselves investable
Sarah Miller
- Diligence strategies for LPs when assessing new investment opportunities
- What are the key factors for LPs when evaluating impact funds?
- How to assess emerging impact funds without track records
- Views on investing in pure impact funds vs. generalists with an impact strategy
15:45 - 16:30
Impact measurement and management: Best practices in quantifying and reporting impact
Nora Schulte,
Marc Williams
· What are the principles and reporting norms that are emerging for impact funds?
· To what extent are funds differentiating between the different ‘shades’ of impact across their portfolio?
· Which impact methodologies and measurements are generalist funds picking up and using?
Track B - Portfolio Companies/Value
14:15 - 14:20
Opening Remarks
14:20 - 15:00
Portfolio company perspectives on sustainability and ESG performance improvement
Emma Bickerstaffe,
Oscar Sandell
- How are portfolio companies balancing the expectations of their PE sponsors with their other stakeholders?
- Investigating the collaborative strategies employed by portfolio companies in partnership with their investors.
- What are the key ESG focus areas to improve performance and create real business value?
Moderator: Emma Bickerstaffe, Managing Director – London, Holtara, powered by Apex Group
15:00 - 15:45
How sustainability can be used to drive value creation within portfolio companies
Manuela Fumarola,
Viviana Occhionorelli,
Elena Mariotti,
François-Xavier Oliveau
- Implementing effective ESG integration across portfolios
- Evaluating ESG risks and opportunities: how is ESG influencing the investment thesis?
- To what extent can technology and data providers help portfolio companies with their value creation plans?
- Getting buy-in from all key stakeholders on the approach to ESG
Moderator: Manuela Fumarola, Director, EMEA Lead – ESG & Impact Value Creation, ERM
15:45 - 16:30
Driving DE&I in portfolio companies as part of value creation
- What initiatives can help increase diverse representation at portfolio companies?
- Setting realistic targets for driving change on DE&I that fit withing growth expectations
- Working with management teams when your own house may not be in order
One spot reserved WTW
Track C - Regulation
14:15 - 14:20
Opening Remarks
14:20 - 15:00
SFDR Update: how does the regulation work in practice?
Patricia Volhard,
Laura Callaghan
- How to define ‘harm’ as it relates to the Principal Adverse Impact (PAI) indicators within your investment approach
- Examples of E or S characteristics pursued by Article 8 funds: Is there a market standard?
- Outlining some of the challenges with taxonomy reporting for LPs
- To what extent can tech be used to enhance SFDR compliance
15:00 - 15:45
How regulation can drive value creation: practical tips for ESG professionals
Clare Murray,
Sophia Walwyn-James
15:45 - 16:30
Private Markets ESG Regulatory Landscape: A Global Update
Rhys Davies,
Chris Shaw
- How can global investors reduce the burden of regulations and frameworks that lack interoperability?
- Which regulations and frameworks naturally align with one another?
- Comparing regulations in the US & Asia to Europe
- Where next for the regulators?
Moderator: Rhys Davies, Partner – ESG & Impact, Kirkland & Ellis
Track D - Nature/Climate/Private Debt
14:15 - 14:20
Opening Remarks
14:20 - 15:00
Revolutionary approaches to Decarbonisation
Frederik Dagø
- What does best practice look like when decarbonising a portfolio company?
- Addressing the financial shortfall in decarbonisation Initiatives
- An exploration of emerging and innovative investment strategies
15:00 - 15:45
How to practically approach biodiversity as an investor
Marie-Anne Vincent,
Jovana Stopic,
Mona Huys
- Why aren’t LPs pushing harder on biodiversity?
- To what extent is biodiversity a potential distraction from decarbonisation?
- How to assess biodiversity risks and opportunities in the diligence process
15:45 - 16:30
Sustainability and climate integration in private credit
Isabelle Mitchell,
Vlad Mitroi,
Alicia Forry
- Can private credit ever do more than private equity, or must they always follow?
- How investors and managers have collaborated to enhance transparency in private credit
- What tools can private credit investors use to understand where their portfolio stands in terms of decarbonisation status and climate risk?
- What’s next?
Networking
16:30 - 16:50
Coffee ＆ networking
16:50 - 17:45
Working Group Series A - Practical tips for using AI in day-to-day work
This session closed door session (GP and LP only, no service providers) allows for an interactive roundtable discussion with designated facilitators.
| Working Group A Practical tips for using AI in day-to-day work |
Working Group B Building a coherent plan for biodiversity |
Working Group C Working with portfolio companies
|
| Working Group E Building a long-term vision for ESG data |
Working Group F Using ESG in fundraising: LPs and GPs discuss what works |
Working Group G Managing a Crisis |
16:50 - 17:45
Working Group Series B - Building a coherent plan for biodiversity
16:50 - 17:45
Working Group Series C - Working with portfolio companies
16:50 - 17:45
Working Group E - Greenwashing: Trends in litigation and best practices to protect your portfolio
Miriam Wrobel
Facilitator: Miriam Wrobel, Global Head of ESG & Sustainability, FTI Consulting
16:50 - 17:45
Working Group F - Driving Portfolio-wide Decarbonization: Overcoming the Data Challenge
Jayde Alexander
16:50 - 17:45
Working Group G - Shifting engagement focus from regulation compliance to value-add opportunity
Andrew Mather
Facilitator: Andrew Mather, Director, Ramboll
Networking
17:45 - 18:45
Cocktail reception
Agenda
Responsible Investment Forum: Europe 2024 - Day Two - Thursday 21st
08:00 - 08:50
GPs Breakfast Roundtable
08:00 - 08:50
LP Breakfast Roundtable hosted by ILPA
Plenary
08:55 - 09:00
Opening Remarks
09:00 - 09:40
Oxford style debate: This house believes that setting science-based targets for an entire portfolio is not practical
Two sides will take the stage with structured arguments and the opportunity for rebuttals and audience exchange. The audience will vote before and after the debate to see if the participants manage to move the audience.
09:40 - 10:15
Sustainable Markets Initiative Update
· Recent Achievements and Milestones
· Key Focus Areas and Initiatives
10:15 - 10:50
Navigating complex supply chains in private equity
Eric Bloom,
Ana Alvarez Grullón,
Cornelia Gomez
· What questions are investors asking managers on supply chains?
· How is increased scrutiny impacting how managers approach this issue?
· Strategies for enhancing transparency and accountability across the supply chain
· The role of technology and data analytics in assessing and managing supply chain risks
Moderator: Eric Bloom, COO & Head of Client Solutions, Re:Co
Networking
10:50 - 11:20
Coffee ＆ networking
Plenary
11:20 - 12:00
Assessing AI’s impacts on sustainability and the sustainability role
Chandini Jain
- Examples of how AI is being used during ESG assessments during due diligence
- Leveraging AI across the whole investment cycle
- Considering some of the possible negative uses of AI for example how it could be used to help with greenwashing
- What are the most material impacts from AI on sustainability? What will generative AI help most with in future years?
Moderator: Chandini Jain, Founder & CEO, Auquan
12:00 - 12:30
AI Case Study: how a leading fund manager is integrating Responsible AI
Sylvain Forté
Sylvain Forté, CEO & Co-founder, SESAMm
12:30 - 13:15
ESG Value Creation Excellence Stories
Angus MacDonald,
Jill Brosig
4 short presentations on how ESG initiatives or technologies can be used to drive returns within PE investments within different areas of sustainability. The audience will have the chance to quiz the presenters, and vote on the most impressive story. During the lunchbreak presenters will be available for further questions over informal roundtables.
Networking
13:15 - 14:00
Lunch
Plenary
14:00 - 15:00
Regulatory workshop: sustainability regulation for private markets
Simon Witney
Led by Travers Smith, their ESG & Impact experts will lead an interactive workshop where they will discuss the latest developments in regulation and practical approaches to them.
Simon Witney, Senior Consultant, Travers Smith
15:00 - 16:00
ESG Value Creation workshop: sharing best practices for improving ESG to drive value at portfolio companies
2024 Speakers
For information on speaking at the event, please contact Charles Gould.
charles.g@pei.group | +44 (0)203 879 3893
Mona Huys
Sustainable Investment Specialist Mercer AlternativesHuys Sustainable Investment Specialist, Mercer Alternatives
Christopher Springham
Formerly VP - Communications and Sustainability, LM Wind Power GE Renewable Energy Business
Connect with global investors focused on the future of the market
Position your business with an authoritative content-let event portfolio focused on ESG and responsible investing and be recognised as a go-to solution provider for senior private markets professionals and institutional investors.
Sponsorship gives you the opportunity to:
- Shake hands with prominent global institutional investors, fund managers, consultants, and highly recognised associations to build effective ESG strategies focused on value creation and ROI.
- Stand tall from your competitors by showcasing your company’s mature ESG track record and generate strategic value when growing and implementing environmental and sustainability initiatives.
- Discover brand opportunities to position your sustainable funds to aid capital raising to a global ESG community.
For more information on available sponsorship opportunities please fill in the enquiry form. Contact Chris Wagland at chris.w@pei.group or call +44 (0) 0207 566 5475
2024 sponsors:
Network with the European responsible investment industry
In its 15th year, the forum is a firmly established event in the industry’s calendar. Join 600+ attendees this November to connect with institutional investors, fund managers, specialist responsible investment and impact managers, and the wider ESG community for two days of learning and networking. This is a must-attend event for those with an interest in ESG in private markets.
The in-person networking experience
Join focused discussions
Engage in discussions with investors and your peers on issues shaping the global investment landscape by putting your questions to the expert speakers. Leave with insights relevant to your strategies.
Connect ahead of the event
Utilise the event networking app ahead of and during the event. View the attendee list in advance and book in meetings with investors and fund managers to ensure efficient networking at the event.
Relax and interact
Network during interactive workshops, drinks receptions, invite-only breakfasts, closed door working groups, and more. Build new relationships or re-connect with existing contacts to advance your fundraising.
Connect with responsible investment professionals
Testimonials from attendees
Alan Kao
Ramboll
Fantastic to see the progress on climate, diversity, human rights being made by so many investors!
Bill McGilivray
Ogier
The best conference I’ve attended in a very long time. Great content and speakers and very enthusiastic attendees make the 2 days well worthwhile.
Marina Johnson
Actis
Fantastic opportunity to meet with peers, to connect and challenge each other. Very well organised and run.
Pre-Event Resources
Institutional Investors at the Responsible Investment Forum: Europe 2024
The Responsible Investment Forum: Europe provides a leading platform for leading institutional investors and allocators investing in responsible investment in private equity to gather.
A limited number of complimentary passes are available for institutional investors to attend the event. Check out the benefits of joining the conference, who among your peers attends and find out how to apply for a complimentary pass for you or your team below.
What to expect at the forum?
Network with your peers
Enrich your network, build lasting relationships, and exchange valuable perspectives with your investor peers through investor-only breakfasts, networking breaks, lunches and much more.
Gain expert insights
Hear from our industry-leading speaker line-up, discover the latest trends and stay aligned with future innovations within ESG and responsible investment.
Explore opportunities
Discover remarkable investment opportunities in emerging sectors and discuss climate change within a portfolio, regulatory changes, the growth in impact and what it means for ESG, value creation and much more.
Meet with the best and brightest funds
Connect and arrange one-to-one meetings with the biggest fund managers and alternative asset professionals with an interest in ESG and responsible investment.
Apply for a complimentary institutional investor pass
A limited number of complimentary passes are available for allocators and institutional investors to join the event.
Complimentary investor passes are limited to foundations, endowments, trusts, insurance companies, single family offices, sovereign wealth funds and pension funds who are actively making fund commitments and do not engage in third-party fundraising activities or collect fees for advisory/consulting services.
Apply for a pass and a member of our team will follow up with you to secure your pass.