With Canadian ESG assets under management growing over 20% since 2017, it's no surprise that as investor relations professionals, we are receiving increasing demands on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure from our investors. Join us to learn more on how to best navigate the growing and evolving ESG landscape. The panel consists of subject matter experts, including representation from investors, issuers, and advisors. This event is eligible for 2 CEUs. 

Date & Time:

Wednesday, September 25
3:00 - 3:15 - Registration
3:15 - 5:00 - Panel discussion and networking

Pricing:

This event is free to CIRI members; $30 for non-members

Speakers: 

Mariana Fregonese, Vice President, Social Responsibility, Great Panther Mining Limited
Mariana has over 13 years of experience working in the mining industry in Canada. As Vice President, Social Responsibility Mariana leads Great Panther’s overarching social performance and stakeholder engagement strategy for its operations. Since 2014 Mariana has been committed to advancing social and sustainable development of the local communities in which Great Panther operates in Mexico, Peru and Brazil. Prior to this, she also has held roles in corporate communications and investor relations which allowed her to experience firsthand the change around environmental, social and governance issues and how these have changed expectations of corporate performance and transparency amongst a wide range of stakeholders. Mariana is responsible for a diverse portfolio, focused on building strategic partnerships and fostering relationships with communities, governments, public agencies, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders to maximize the benefits of mining, and to achieve effective and sustainable community development. Mariana holds a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy (Hons) from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a is a certified Sustainability Practitioner (CSR-P).

Siri Genik, Principal & Founder, BRIDGE© (Moderator)
Siri is the principal and founder of BRIDGE ©, a business leader with a successful track record working in numerous countries and across a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities. Her knowledge and expertise span over 20 years working on complex major capital projects. Siri is particularly sensitive to the importance of culture and prioritizes its integration into all facets of business, strategic planning risk and commercial management. It is core to her approach to Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Management. Siri’s background as a lawyer and mediator has provided her with extensive experience in project financing, as well as administrative and labour law. She brings to the table an ability to “translate” and simplify complex agreements and facilitate their negotiation and interpretation for the needs of the project and the stakeholders. Her claim management strategy is based on strong communication with contractors and targets complete claim avoidance. Siri is a Canadian and her family is from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and grew up in South America, France, Algeria and Spain and the UK. In the course of her career she has worked in Egypt, Russia, Malaysia, New Caledonia, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Panama, Argentina, Australia as well as Canada, Alaska and the Arctic. She obtained her University degrees at McGill and the Université de Montréal. She is perfectly fluent in English, French and Spanish. Siri is a member of the CSR Committee and the Student of PDAC as well as a strategic partner for Women-in-Mining Canada.

Jason Milne, Principal, ESG Global Advisors Inc.
Jason has more than 20 years’ experience in the investment industry in Canada. Having specialized in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and responsible investment for over 15 years, Jason is a frequent speaker and well-regarded authority on all matters relating to ESG. Before joining ESG Global Advisors, Jason was V.P. and a member of RBC Global Asset Management’s (“RBC GAM”) Corporate Governance and Responsible Investment Group, the team responsible for promoting the integration of ESG into the investment process, proxy voting and engagement with investee companies. He joined Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management in 2000, became the Corporate Governance Analyst soon after, and moved into the responsible investment role in 2008 when PH&N was acquired by RBC GAM. Prior to this, Jason had worked in the corporate finance department of a national brokerage firm and as a mutual fund accountant. Jason was the Chair of the board of the Responsible Investment Association (RIA) for four years and a board member since 2011, prior to stepping down in 2019. Jason also currently sits on the board of Open Door Ventures, the for-profit subsidiary of the not-for-profit Open Door Group. Jason is a CFA charterholder, holds a CPA, CGA designation and a BComm (Economics) from the University of Otago in New Zealand. In addition, Jason has his SASB, FSA Credential Level I and is a FSA Credential Level II candidate.

Michael Thiessen, Partner & Director, Sustainable Investments Genus Capital Management
Mike is a Partner and the Director of Sustainable Investments for Genus Capital Management which manages $1.6 billion for families, foundations, and institutions. Genus has been a pioneer in sustainable investing within Canada. Mike provides leadership for all sustainable and impact investing disciplines, including research, portfolio construction, and design of new sustainable products. Prior to joining Genus, he was a strategic consultant working in London, UK focusing on projects in sustainability, finance, and technology for FTSE 100 companies. Mike has a background in financial services and asset management. He led an equity research firm and worked for a quantitative hedge fund. Mike holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge concentrating in Social Innovation and is a CFA charterholder.