Franklin Templeton hires ESG exec from Calpers

Franklin Templeton hires ESG exec from Calpers
Anne Simpson developed and executed the sustainability investment strategy for the giant California pension plan.
JAN 20, 2022

Franklin Templeton has appointed Anne Simpson as its global head of sustainability. In the new position at the San Mateo, California-based asset manager, Simpson will be in charge of the asset management firm’s overall strategic direction on stewardship, sustainability and environmental, social and governance investment strategy globally.

Simpson joins Franklin Templeton from the California Public Employees Retirement System, where she served as managing investment director for board governance and sustainability, developing and executing its sustainability investment strategy across a global portfolio of $500 billion in which 80% of assets are internally managed.

“A hire of this prominence demonstrates our commitment to being a global leader in stewardship and sustainability, which acknowledges that our choices as responsible investors have a profound effect on the world and its future,” Jenny Johnson, Franklin Templeton's president and CEO, said in a statement. “We are confident that Anne’s expertise and leadership will take our firm-wide efforts on sustainable investing to the next level."

Before joining Calpers, Simpson was a senior faculty fellow and lecturer at the Yale School of Management, and served as head of the Global Corporate Governance Forum at the World Bank, executive director of the International Corporate Governance Network and joint managing director of Pensions and Investment Research Consultants Ltd.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.