Real Returns – The people behind sustainable investments. By Wincel Kaufmann.

Olga is the Head of Responsible Investment at Church Commissioners for England. At the end of 2023, the Church Commissioners’ fund held assets valued at £10.4 billion.

Olga is a solicitor by background, graduated from the University of Sydney and has served on multiple organisations as Chair of UK Sustainable Investment & Finance Policy Committee, Investor Policy Dialogue on Deforestation, and the International Corporate Governance Network.

Her leadership and advocacy in Responsible Investments have shaped many financial institutions and managers. She is someone that I personally admire for her vision and commitment to positive change. 

Interesting fact: She speaks 4 languages, English, French, Indonesian & Norwegian.

Olga’s career journey shows how purpose can guide meaningful transitions. She began in law, inspired by a field trip to Southeast Asia that sparked her passion for environmental and human rights issues. After years of working in environmental litigation and leading pro bono work at a global firm, she made a bold shift into sustainable investing. Today, she heads Responsible Investment at the Church Commissioners for England.

“It comes in waves. These issues around sustainable investing, whether it’s climate change or geopolitical issues, are not going away. Financial markets & companies will always have to deal with them”, said Olga during the interview. 

What stayed with me most was her perspective on resilience. Sustainable investing has seen waves of momentum and pushback – from the financial crisis to today’s ESG backlash – but Olga’s advice is clear: stay focused. The issues we’re addressing are long-term and deeply important. Her story is a great reminder to keep showing up, even when the road gets bumpy.