Charter Hall Group (Charter Hall or the Group) has today announced the appointment of Andrew Cole to Group Head of ESG. Charter Hall Managing Director and Group CEO, David Harrison, said, “We are pleased to welcome Andrew to Charter Hall and look forward to him working with the team to continue enhancing our 30 year history of embedding ESG into our Platform as a strategic priority.”

His appointment marks an important milestone in the evolution of Charter Hall’s ESG offering as it continues to expand its Group and Sector Sustainability teams.

Mr Cole joins from Lendlease Funds Management Australia, where he was the General Manager, Sustainability for five years. In this role, Andrew was responsible for developing and integrating the sustainability strategy for $27b in FUM across office, retail, industrial and retirement living sectors. He played an integral role in the global Responsible Property Investment Policy and created effective ESG strategies for funds to measure and report performance to investors.

Mr Cole brings with him 20 years’ experience in sustainability real estate, sustainable finance, ESG integration and public policy creation, and has extensive experience engaging with leadership, Boards and investment committees to integrate ESG into investment processes. He is currently the Chair of PCA's National Sustainability Roundtable, the Chair of Green Building Council of Australia’s Industry Advisory Group and a Member of the Green Star Advisory Committee and is recognised for his contribution to the future of the industry.

Charter Hall Managing Director and Group CEO, David Harrison, said, “We are pleased to welcome Andrew to Charter Hall and look forward to him working with the team to continue enhancing our 30 year history of embedding ESG into our Platform as a strategic priority. It is in our DNA to be a fiduciary of capital partnering within the Platform, and we are focused on continuing to drive value for our investors and create a positive impact for clients, employees and the wider community.”

In this role, Andrew will be responsible for the Group’s sustainability strategy and reporting, community partnerships and will work closely with the EXCO team to integrate the Group’s environmental, social and governance outcomes across the business. Mr Cole will report to Chief Experience Officer Natalie Devlin.

Mr Cole said, “I look forward to joining the team at Charter Hall, which has made measurable progress in the ESG space in recent years, underpinned by its commitment to climate resilience, responsible business, and strong communities.

“Over the past 20 years, I have experienced the changing landscape of ESG and sustainability in the property sector and there has never been a stronger emphasis on ESG than we are seeing now from tenant and investor customers. I am pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with the Charter Hall team to create environmental and social value, alongside financial outcomes, through implementing proven ESG best practices.”

Mr Cole commences at Charter Hall on 12 July 2021.