Ms McGrath will report to Jonathan Mondillo, global head of fixed income at Aberdeen, and will work closely with Ms Zangerl to ensure a smooth transition.

In her new role, Ms McGrath is responsible for ESG oversight across the Fixed Income department’s ESG and sustainability‑focused strategies and mandates, and thematic strategies spanning the UN Sustainable Development Goals and climate transition.

She is accountable for setting and delivering the Fixed Income ESG strategy. This includes Aberdeen’s Fixed Income Engagement Roadmap, which sets out the processes and priority themes underpinning Aberdeen’s active engagement with issuers, as well as escalation processes and outcomes across portfolios.

Ms McGrath will also lead the continued development and implementation of ESG processes, tools and investment frameworks across Fixed Income, and plays a central role in global client engagement on sustainability, regulation and climate transition.

Bringing more than eight years’ experience in sustainability and ESG, Ms McGrath was part of Aberdeen’s Sustainable Investment Team and joined the Aberdeen Fixed Income ESG team in 2020. She most recently served as a senior manager, leading day‑to‑day ESG activity across investments.

Mr Mondillo said: “Kate has a strong track record of building, embedding and advancing our sustainable investment capabilities, working closely with investment teams and clients alike.

“Her promotion recognises her deep technical expertise, strong leadership and the critical role ESG and sustainability play within our Fixed Income business.

“Our rigorous, investment‑led ESG integration in fixed income continues to be a key differentiator and the majority of our Fixed Income AUM is ESG integrated, with over a third in sustainable products or mandates.”

Mr Mondillo continued: “Most recently we were appointed as sole external manager for Flood Re’s £1bn credit mandate, supporting the UK’s government‑backed flood reinsurance scheme. Investors increasingly seek experienced partners with the depth, discipline and credibility to deliver sustainable fixed‑income outcomes. 

“I am confident that under Kate’s leadership we will continue to strengthen our sustainability offering across Fixed Income, while maintaining the high standards and credibility that underpin our platform.”

Ms McGrath added: “I’m thrilled to take on this role at a time when ESG integration is more critical than ever for delivering resilient, long‑term investment outcomes.

“My focus will be on continuing to strengthen our best‑in‑class ESG integration and frameworks, while ensuring they are applied consistently and effectively across our Fixed Income sub‑asset classes.

“I’m also excited to work closely with teams globally to commercialise our ESG and sustainability offering, supporting clients across regions with solutions that are both credible and investment‑led.”