I saw some of the public policy advocacy that Julie Gorte, Pax World’s senior vice president of sustainable investing, was doing, and it seemed to line up with what I was doing. I was also impressed that the company was founded before I was born. Obviously, they were doing something right.
Paul: Chris, were you directly involved in the interviewing and hiring process for Greg?
Chris: Yes, that’s something we do here regardless of the department. Members of the portfolio management team get involved in hiring for sustainability research. Likewise, when we hire a new portfolio manager, they get interviewed by sustainability research. We want to see a good fit between the two teams.
Paul: Greg, have your expectations been met at Pax World?
Greg: Yes, I expected to be involved in the sustainable portfolio construction process and use my public policy training, and both have been met. I’ve been with the firm six years, and I think we’ve done a great job of integrating ESG analysis with financial analysis in our investment process.
Years before I came to Pax World, I read an interview with Chris. It was the first time I heard about sustainable investing, but I don’t think Chris knows he was an early influence on my interest in this field.
Paul: Did you know that, Chris?
Chris: I did not! I just learned that right now.
Paul: Chris, what inspired you about Greg when he interviewed for your team?
Chris: Had I known about the article, it would have been a slam dunk for him! That aside, I always look for someone with strong analytical skills, and Greg certainly articulated that. I was also looking for someone who could understand both the financial and sustainability sides of the role. Greg’s M.B.A. and his previous work on sustainability issues helped, as well as his understanding of the need to integrate the two areas.