BlackRock Appoints New EMEA Head For Sustainable Investing

BlackRock has taken a significant step in reinforcing its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing by appointing Louise Kooy-Henckel as the new EMEA Head of Sustainable and Transition Solutions (STS). This move comes amid growing demand for sustainable investment strategies, particularly in Europe, where BlackRock’s largest clients have pledged to achieve net zero emissions. Kooy-Henckel will be responsible for leading the firm’s sustainable and transition-focused investment efforts across the EMEA region, reporting directly to Helen Lees-Jones, Global Head of STS.

Kooy-Henckel brings extensive experience in ESG and impact investing. Before joining BlackRock, she served as Managing Director and Investment Director for Sustainable and Impact Investments at Wellington Management. During her tenure there, she played a key role in ESG research, impact investment strategies, and climate-focused solutions. Prior to that, she spent nearly two decades at JPMorgan Asset Management, leading the Global Equities client portfolio management team. Her appointment reflects BlackRock’s focus on strengthening its leadership in sustainable investing at a time when clients are increasingly prioritizing ESG-driven investment decisions.

BlackRock’s commitment to sustainability is underscored by its substantial investments in ESG and transition assets. The firm currently manages over $1 trillion in sustainable and transition assets across more than 500 investment strategies, positioning itself as a leading player in the sustainable finance space. With institutional investors and corporations aligning their portfolios with net zero commitments, BlackRock continues to expand its ESG investment offerings, helping clients navigate energy transition, physical climate risks, and resilience planning.

The leadership at BlackRock is enthusiastic about Kooy-Henckel’s appointment. Helen Lees-Jones, alongside Stephen Cohen, BlackRock’s Chief Product Officer, highlighted the significance of her role in advancing sustainable and transition-focused investment solutions in the region. “We are delighted that Louise Kooy-Henckel joins BlackRock as EMEA Head of Sustainable and Transition Solutions (STS) to lead the team and our growth in a region where client demand for sustainable and transition investing is greatest,” they said in a joint statement. They also emphasized that all of BlackRock’s largest European clients have made net zero commitments, reinforcing the firm’s alignment with broader global sustainability goals.

The appointment also aligns with BlackRock’s broader strategy of driving commercial growth in ESG investments. The STS team is at the forefront of expanding sustainable investment product offerings and providing clients with in-depth insights on key sustainability trends. From energy transition to climate risk assessment, the firm is committed to equipping investors with the tools and strategies needed to integrate sustainability into their portfolios.

BlackRock shared the announcement on LinkedIn, expressing excitement about Kooy-Henckel’s new role. “We’re delighted to welcome Louise Kooy-Henckel as our newly appointed EMEA Head of STS. With 25+ years of experience, she will play a key role in advancing our sustainable investing efforts across the region,” the post stated.

This appointment comes at a crucial time for the financial industry, as sustainable investing continues to gain traction globally. With regulatory pressure increasing and investors demanding more accountability on ESG issues, asset managers like BlackRock are positioning themselves to lead the transition towards a more sustainable financial system. The firm’s robust ESG footprint, combined with its commitment to innovation in sustainable finance, ensures that it remains a key player in shaping the future of responsible investing.

As BlackRock continues to enhance its ESG strategies, Kooy-Henckel’s leadership will be instrumental in driving its sustainable and transition investment efforts in the EMEA region. Her expertise in climate-focused investing, impact research, and ESG strategy development will contribute to strengthening BlackRock’s position as a global leader in sustainable finance.