Insights
Featured on Markets with Madison: ESG edition
“Ultimately, I’m still a capitalist, I want to make as much money as I can for investors, I just want to do it in a way that’s positive for the planet.”
Three letters E, S and G now rule a large portion of investment decisions, with funds flowing to companies that meet environmental, social and governance standards - but do stronger-held values equal stronger returns?
Ethical investment firm Pathfinder’s chief executive John Berry says it does.
“Ultimately, I’m still a capitalist, I want to make as much money as I can for investors, I just want to do it in a way that’s positive for the planet.”
John believes the opposite of greenwashing is authenticity,
How to spot authenticity? Look for companies with strong leadership and good governance structures. Do they have a purpose beyond short term profit generation? And, are they profitable? Because otherwise, they won't survive the long term.
At Pathfinder we invest in publicly listed companies who meet the above criteria; companies involved in social housing for instance, who create value for shareholders whilst also providing safe, dry, warm housing for vulnerable New Zealanders.
Watch the full interview here.
Originally published on April the 28th 2023 by the New Zealand Herald.
by John Berry
Co-Founder, CEO, Member of Ethics & Investment Committee, Director
John is committed to making ethical investment accessible to all NZ investors. Before co-founding Pathfinder in 2009 John worked in law firms and investment banks in Auckland, London and Sydney. He has a BCom/LLB(Hons) from Auckland University and has held a number of board and advisory board roles connected to health, education and venture capital, and is currently on the investment committee for a faith-based organisation. In 2023 John was awarded as the Sustainable Business Networks Sustainability Superstar. In 2024 he was awarded the Sustainability Leadership Award at the Robert Walters New Zealand Leadership Awards.
