Fiera Real Estate has announced the promotion of Jessica Pilz to the newly created role of Global Head of ESG., leading the firm’s global ESG strategies across its investment, developments, and operations in Canada and the UK.
The move is the latest step by FRE to bolster its position as a leader in the real estate investment management space, as clients increasingly look to invest with a focus on environmental, social, and governance-related issues.
Jess has been managing the sustainability strategy for the UK division since joining the firm in 2020 and brings over 12 years’ experience looking at ESG issues within the commercial real estate industry and is on The Association of Real Estate Funds (“AREF”) ESG & Impact Investing Committee.
In 2021, FRE made significant strides in their ESG journey. In addition to achieving GRESB Green Star status on all live funds, and a PRI Rating of A, the firm became a signatory of the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative (NZAMI). This commitment led to their Planet Mark Business Certification, as well as the development of several net zero carbon pathways across the firm’s managed funds. These are being built alongside appointed net zero carbon partners in both regions and aligned with the BBP Climate Change Commitment and World GBC Net-zero commitment.
In December, the UK division grew its sustainability team through the appointment of Frankie Demetriades, who was previously Head of Sustainability at Lambert Smith Hampton. Frankie is responsible for supporting Jess in the tactical delivery of the ESG strategy in the UK.
Richard Dansereau, President and Global Head of Fiera Real Estate commented, “At Fiera Real Estate, we recognise the impact that we, and our managed funds, have on our planet, people, and communities and believe that as a global real estate firm we are in a unique position to drive real change across our sector.
"We are so pleased to have appointed Jess as Global Head of Sustainability. She brings with her a wealth of experience within the sector and we know that her passion and expertise will accelerate our sustainability transformation.”
Jess Pilz, Global Head of ESG at Fiera Real Estate, commented, “I am delighted to be given this opportunity to shape FRE’s ESG journey and grateful for the support I have been given from the business. It has and continues to be refreshing to work with people who truly recognise the role we play in driving positive environmental and social change.”