RIAA Staff

Simon O’Connor – Chief Executive Officer

 

Simon operates at the intersection of economics, finance and sustainability and has extensive international experience as an economic adviser, investment analyst and sustainability consultant across finance, corporate and not for profit sectors.

 

In this role, Simon works with RIAA’s 250 member organisations with the goal of delivering on RIAA’s mission of promoting, advocating for, and supporting approaches to responsible investment that align capital with achieving a healthy and sustainable society, environment and economy.

 

As well as driving RIAA to be a more impactful organisation, Simon is active across the region and internationally in responsible investment and sustainable finance initiatives. Simon is currently the co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative, working on the NZ Sustainable Finance Initiative, a member of the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, and on the National Advisory Board on Impact Investing in New Zealand

Nicolette Boele – Executive Manager Policy, Research and Certification

 

Nicolette has 25 years’ experience delivering engagements, collaborations and accountability solutions for and with Australian and international companies, governments, unions, and NGOs. She has deep subject matter experience in energy and climate change. Like Simon she has worked at and been on Council at the Australian Conservation Foundation. She has also held executive roles at The Climate Institute, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Banarra and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority. In 2015 Nicolette led the review of RIAA’s certification program and now manages the program covering 150 certified financial advisers and products. Nicolette’s also works on RIAA’s policy agenda, services development and industry research such as the Superfund Benchmark Report.

Carly Hammond – Head of Marketing | Impact Investment Forum Program Manager

 

Carly’s focus is on building business as force for good and harnessing the power of individuals to effect change whether as a consumer, business owner or investor. As Head of Marketing and the Impact Investment Forum Program Manager for the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, she is focused on growing awareness of and deepening participation in responsible, ethical and impact investing. She is also Company Secretary for B Lab Australia & New Zealand, and was previously the Director of Engagement and Communications at Impact Investing Australia where she played a central role putting impact investing on the map and engaging new market participants. Carly has extensive experience delivering campaigns and partnerships spanning the private, public and not for profit sectors in Australia, Asia and Africa. At Oxfam Australia, Carly designed award-winning campaigns for fairer international trade rules and generating consumer demand for fair trade products. For the Australian Conservation Foundation, Carly led communications and partnership development to promote the transition to an economy that delivers wellbeing alongside a healthy environment. 

Cassandra Williams – Certification Program and Ratings Manager

 

Cass Williams, is our Certification Program and Ratings Manager. Based in Melbourne, Cass is responsible for our pioneering Certification Program and brings with her a wealth of experience in investment management, marketing and ratings systems. 

Ryan Cook – Certification and Ratings Analyst

 

Prior to joining RIAA Ryan worked for close to ten years in the banking and finance industry in a range of Senior Analytical roles. Ryan has also worked as a sustainability consultant and carbon emissions analyst.

 

Ryan recently completed his Master of Environment at University of Melbourne, specialising in Governance, Policy and Markets. His research examined Responsible Investment in Blue Carbon resources.

 

In addition to his Masters degree, Ryan holds a Diploma of Sustainability and Bachelor of Agribusiness. Ryan is also a community committee member for the Sports Environment Alliance (SEA) Australia and a member of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand Inc.

Josh Edmunds – Manager of Member Services

 

As RIAA’s Manager of Member Services, Josh works across all areas of RIAA, back and front office. Josh is often the first point of contact for members and provides support on many areas of RIAA’s work plan, in particular working  closely with RIAA’s financial adviser members. Josh holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Laws and a Diploma in Financial Planning.

Briony Doyle Galovic – Head of Events

 

Briony supports the RIAA team and our members by managing all the logistics and communications for our busy calendar of conferences, webinars and events throughout the year. She also ensures we deliver on our commitments to our sponsors.

 

Prior to joining RIAA, Briony has over 6 years’ experience successfully managing corporate and hospitality events. She is based in the Melbourne office.

Katie Braid – Communications and Media Coordinator

 

At RIAA Katie is responsible for helping build awareness of and participation in responsible, ethical and impact investing through creative communications and media campaigns.

 

Katie holds a dual degree of Business Management (Sustainability) and Journalism, and prior to joining RIAA held a range of roles in the arts, education and resource recovery sectors, all with a focus on marketing and communicating for change.