Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is a rapidly developing and dynamic area for investors today. While we have written extensively about how we are integrating ESG into our investment approach, Burgundy’s first Sustainability Report turns that same lens onto ourselves. Please read on for a holistic look at our organization as we reflect on some of Burgundy’s own ESG endeavours, including our approach to DEI, our environmental footprint, and highlights from our Women of Burgundy initiative.


The past decade has seen increased consideration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investing. Over these past two years, the mounting concerns about climate change, exacerbation of issues surrounding social injustice and inequality, and massive disruptions to our world resulting from the pandemic has only served to accelerate this trend. As an area of growing importance for both our clients and our own people, Burgundy is paying attention and is committed to being part of the solution.

We have written to you quite extensively about how we are integrating ESG into our own investment approach. We thought it only appropriate to turn that same ESG lens onto ourselves, allowing us to reflect on and evaluate Burgundy as an organization according to some of the same criteria.

At its core, the concept of ESG is really about long-term sustainability. Sustainability in everything we do has always served as a North Star concept at Burgundy. We exist to create long-term value for our clients for generations to come. We take a long-term perspective in all aspects of our approach to this mission – in our client relationships, our investment approach, our own people, our ownership structure, our commitment to the community, and the decisions we are making every day. However, similar to the steps we have taken to make ESG considerations more explicit in our investment decisions, we also recognize the opportunity to do so in our assessment of our own sustainability. In this, our first Sustainability Report, we provide a window into some of Burgundy’s own ESG initiatives.

Featured in the report:

Robyn Ross

Anne Maggisano and Lisa Ritchie

Julie Cordeiro

While we are proud of our efforts in these areas, and on many other fronts at the firm, we also understand there is much learning to do and appreciate we are on a journey for which there is no finish line. Our aim is always to provide full disclosure to you, our clients, and offer the information you need to make informed decisions about what matters to you.

Robert Sankey, CFA
Chief Executive Officer

 


This post is presented for illustrative and discussion purposes only. It is not intended to provide investment advice and does not consider unique objectives, constraints or financial needs. Under no circumstances does this post suggest that you should time the market in any way or make investment decisions based on the content. Select securities may be used as examples to illustrate Burgundy’s investment philosophy. Burgundy funds or portfolios may or may not hold such securities for the whole demonstrated period. Investors are advised that their investments are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. This post is not intended as an offer to invest in any investment strategy presented by Burgundy. The information contained in this post is the opinion of Burgundy Asset Management and/or its employees as of the date of the post and is subject to change without notice. Please refer to the Legal section of this website for additional information.

Robert Sankey, CFA
About the Author
Robert Sankey, CFA
Though it began in forestry, Rob’s career eventually took root in finance. Rob has spent 25 years applying some of what he learned from Western Canada’s forests – about growth, yield, adaptability, succession and resilience – to the investment management industry. During his years at Burgundy, Rob has worked across several functions including operations, compliance and performance measurement. The majority of his time, however, has been spent in the investment department researching businesses across the world and serving as Burgundy’s Director of Research. <br /> <br /> Rob’s real passions at work are two-fold: people and investing. He is grateful for the opportunities Burgundy has provided him to focus on both. Today, as Chief Executive Officer, Rob works closely with people across the firm to ensure Burgundy delivers an outstanding overall experience for clients. Internally, he is focused on fostering a culture that instills a deep collective purpose in our people, while providing autonomy, personal growth and the chance to have real impact.
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Robyn Ross
About the Author
Robyn Ross
A passionate student of people, Robyn is genuinely interested in learning about and from others and cultivating a working environment that sets Burgundy’s people up for success, generating an outstanding employee experience. Robyn grew up in Zimbabwe, Africa. She has travelled and worked across the world from Florida to Europe to Bermuda, finally settling in Canada. With 20 years of work experience in the Financial Services industry, 15 of those at Burgundy, Robyn is a champion for a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. She leads the full-time recruitment, as well as the intern program, designing and deploying recruitment strategies to attract and retain exceptional people. <br /> <br /> Robyn completed the Canadian Securities Course in 2005. She is a scholarship committee member for GEM (Girls E- Mentorship) and leads the Burgundy Women in Investing Club.
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Julie Cordeiro
About the Author
Julie Cordeiro
Julie has more than 20 years of experience working in the investment management industry in various capacities. In her current role as Chief Administrative Officer, she oversees the general administration and day-to-day operations of the firm. Julie does not hesitate to challenge the status quo and strives to lead innovation and execute the firm’s strategic priorities to ensure Burgundy’s client and business needs are met.
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Anne Maggisano, CFA
About the Author
Anne Maggisano, CFA
Anne works closely with individuals and families to understand their circumstances, objectives, and long-term priorities. Based on this understanding, she develops investment strategies designed around their needs and provides counsel on the broader decisions and responsibilities that come with wealth.<br /> <br /> She is the founder of Women of Burgundy, a community she launched in 2014 to inspire women to make investing a priority and take a leadership role in managing their wealth. Today, the community includes more than 1,500 members and explores investing, family, legacy, and the stewardship of capital across generations.
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About the Author
Lisa Ritchie, CFA
Lisa has had a lifelong passion for math and problem solving. In business school, these interests translated into a keen curiosity of finance, capital markets and the psychology that drives investor behaviour. Early in her career, Lisa discovered her most impactful work derived from helping clients set investment priorities, realistic goals and strategic plans. A focus on the unique needs of each client and assisting them steward their life savings made her a great fit for Burgundy. After more than 30 years in the investment business, Lisa maintains that she learned something new and interesting every day.
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