Economics Alumna in Top 25 of Rising Stars of Asset Management in Europe

We are delighted to report that Warwick Economics alumna (BSc Economics, Politics and International Studies, 2006) has been selected as one of Financial News’s 2020 ‘Top 25 Rising Stars of Asset Management in Europe’.

Caroline Escott, Senior Investment Manager at RPMI Railpen, was picked by Financial News 2020 as one of the 25 brightest and up-and coming talent in the investment section in Europe. This was Caroline’s second success in the last twelve months as she also won Investment Week’s ‘Investment Woman of the Year 2019’ award – reported by us in January 2020.

Her profile, published in Financial News – Meet the 25 Rising Stars of Asset Management in Europe describes her impressive career to date, from her internship for David Willetts MP to her work in research and public policy roles connected to sustainability and fund management. Her most recent position was at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, one of the UK’s largest investor groups, where she led its public policy work on investment and stewardship. She also led the organisation’s work on diversity and inclusion.

We asked Caroline about her success and she said:

“It was a real privilege to make this list – particularly alongside so many incredible and inspirational industry colleagues. I think the list showcases the growing diversity within asset management and I was also particularly pleased to note a strong showing from fellow responsible investment practitioners; our sector is becoming increasingly important as policymakers and companies consider how the flows of private capital can influence corporate behaviour on issues like climate change, human rights and workforce wellbeing.”

In September Caroline joined RPMI Railpen as Senior Investment Manager to lead the £30bn scheme’s active ownership, corporate governance and engagement strategy. She also sits on the board of trustees of the Standard Life Master Trust and is one of the youngest pension trustees in the UK.

We also asked Caroline to tell us about her new role and she commented:

“I’m now 8 weeks into my role leading the Active Ownership work at RPMI Railpen which, with £30bn of assets under management, is one of the UK’s largest pension schemes. I am responsible for ensuring we act as a responsible steward of this £30bn, working with portfolio firms to improve their corporate governance, fully take account of all material financial risks and opportunities – including environmental and social challenges – and thereby protecting and enhancing the value of our members’ savings.”

It was an unusual start to a new job because of the pandemic and Caroline started to work remotely from day one:

“I have onboarded “virtually” which has gone smoothly but it still feels a little strange not having yet gone into the office, or shaken hands with my team! Happily, my colleagues have been extremely welcoming and the culture and attitude is exactly how I had hoped it would be: talented and committed experts who have a real sense of mission and want to do the right thing for our members.”

Caroline has this message to the current students of the Department:

“You can do so many different things with a Warwick Economics degree, there is a world of possible choices out there and I know that even my undergraduate class alone has gone on to do some fascinating things!”

We have invited Caroline to speak to our students as part of the new Careers in Economics Webinar Series 2020-21. Details of the event to be published shortly.