In his role, Mark and his team are responsible for overseeing the investments of the majority of Unilever’s 80+ pension plans in 42 countries.
Prior to joining Unilever, Mark was a Partner at Mercer and Head of the London Investment Consulting Unit. He has over 20 years of experience in actuarial, pensions and investments.
The 300 Club believes that economic and investment trends are set to change the investing landscape over the next two decades, heading towards a turning point that presents huge risks to ordinary savers. The club was formed to respond to an urgent need for experienced investment professionals to raise uncomfortable and fundamental questions about the very foundations of the investment landscape and investing.
Mark Walker said: “As someone who thrives on new challenges and responsibilities, I am looking forward to this opportunity to work with the 300 Club to confront the industry’s mindset on issues such as sustainability and long-term value creation. Such issues are now, more than ever, critical to companies’ future successes and to delivering the financial outcomes that the beneficiaries of our pension funds will need. Working together, there is much we can do to improve the financial decision-making and risk management approaches of the industry.”
Lars Dijkstra, Chairman of the 300 Club, commented: “Mark brings a deep understanding of the importance of sustainability in investment and business practices to the 300 Club. Unilever’s corporate vision of sustainable growth and intense sense of social purpose means that their pension schemes are some of the more innovative. I, along with the club’s other members, welcome Mark and look forward to working with him to help investors align investment objectives with sustainable development priorities.”
The 300 Club members continue to publish a series of papers which focus on some of the challenges being faced, including dynamic asset allocation, risk management, manager selection, principal-agency relationship, long-horizon investing and client engagement.