UK - Raj Thamotheram has left AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM), where he was senior adviser, to launch a new consultancy firm, Raj Thamotheram Associates.

Thamotheram will work as a strategic adviser with institutional investors clients - primarily asset owners.

He will particularly focus on strengthening governance and enhancing leadership for sustainable investing, improving information about hidden ESG risks/opportunities, modifying incentives to create a "pull" driver for mainstreaming and strengthening competencies - including mentoring ESG team leaders, especially on the art of organisational change.

Thamotheram will be based in London, but liaise with clients worldwide.

He told IPE: "The consultancy will focus on bespoke solutions where there is clear board-level, CEO, CIO desire to make progress.

"Where a client has a specific need that I don't have direct expertise about, I will pull in a suitable qualified specialist. My associates will be similar experienced individuals."

Before launching his own consultancy firm, Thamotheram spent three years at AXA IM as director and two years as senior adviser.

Prior to joining AXA IM, which he left on 5 June, Thamotheram was senior adviser at Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) between 2000 and 2006 and was responsible for USS's role on climate change.