Bronwyn King is not a fund manager, she’s a doctor. Nonetheless she’s led a personal crusade to help the finance industry to wise up about the true impacts of investing in smoking. And as of last year her team were responsible for getting a massive $1.3 trillion in pension dollars to be invested under tobacco-free policies.

Cigarettes kill millions of people every year. And the unfortunate truth is that many Australians actually have money invested in these companies. Whether they know it or not, many super funds still have big holdings in big tobacco.

Dr King is a true influencer. She speaks with confidence and conviction, she’s backed up by piles of research and she’s isn’t easily intimidated. She’s honed her pitch in board rooms, at the UN and even on the TedX stage.

Bronwyn knows well the semantic gymnastics that can be played to dodge questions about how tobacco companies can make it into ESG funds. But this is not an issue that can be dealt with through engagement, there’s no healthy dose of smoking.

And please note that this episode was recorded on the 4th of March, was well before the corona virus restrictions were in force. It would be the last time I was able to record in the studio. Hopefully, we’ll be back in there soon.

For all the show notes, go to www.johntreadgold.com

Enjoy!