Current CEO Deb Abbey to retire at end of 2017
OCTOBER 17th, 2017 – The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dustyn Lanz as incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2018. Current CEO Deb Abbey will retire following a successful five-year tenure in the role.
Lanz currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, and has worked with the RIA since 2013. He has played a central role in growing the RIA’s membership base and strengthening its brand and communications initiatives over the last four years.
“We are very pleased to appoint Dustyn as the next CEO of the RIA,” said Jason Milne, Chair of the RIA’s board of directors and Vice President, Corporate Governance & Responsible Investment with RBC Global Asset Management. “Dustyn’s industry expertise, market understanding and passion for responsible investment will build on the success that Deb has helped the RIA to achieve.” He added, “Deb has done an absolutely incredible job of leading this organization since 2013, and we wish her the very best in retirement.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Abbey will work closely with Lanz until her retirement at the end of the year.
Commenting on Dustyn Lanz’s appointment, outgoing CEO Deb Abbey said: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dustyn for the last four years, and I am confident that he is the right person for the job,” said Abbey. “He has the industry knowledge, leadership skills and dedication to help take the RIA to the next level. Dustyn’s appointment and this transition mark an exciting milestone for the organization.”
Following his appointment as CEO, Lanz said, “I am honoured to accept the position of CEO of the RIA. I got into this business to contribute to the growth of responsible investing, which I believe is a powerful tool for catalyzing positive societal change. Now, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do that from a position of leadership.”
“Filling the shoes of my great mentor, Deb Abbey, will be no easy task,” said Lanz. “Deb’s support, and that of my colleagues, has helped me to reach this landmark in my career. I thank them and will work diligently to reward their faith in me.”
He added, “In my mind, we’re just getting started. What I am most excited about are the opportunities that lie ahead for the RIA and responsible investing more broadly.” Referring to the 2017 RIA Investor Opinion Survey, Lanz noted, “Three-quarters of Canadian investors are interested in responsible investing but know little or nothing about it. We’re going to change that.”
Prior to joining the RIA, Lanz worked in academia where he conducted research and made policy recommendations to improve governance of the global financial system. His work has been published by leading academic journals and think tanks in Canada and internationally. In 2016, he received a Clean50 Emerging Leader Award for his contributions to responsible investing in Canada. He holds a bachelor’s degree from York University and a master’s degree from the University of Waterloo.
About the Responsible Investment Association
The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is Canada’s membership association for Responsible Investment (RI). Members include mutual fund companies, financial institutions, asset management firms, advisors, consultants, investment research firms, asset owners, individual investors and others interested in RI. Our members believe that the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the selection and management of investments can provide superior risk adjusted returns and positive societal impact. Learn more at www.riacanada.ca.
Media Enquiries
Nick Buccheri
Manager, Communications
Responsible Investment Association
nick@riacanada.ca
+1(416) 461-6042 x5
