We are a diverse and growing team of passionate professionals that are working to catalyse corporate change through investor backed engagement. If you’re interested in joining us, please see our career page for current and future opportunities.
Benjamin is a leading expert in sustainable investment and active ownership. A former fund manager, he had his first role in sustainable investment in 2005. He founded ARE in 2013 to address the gap in dialogue between investors and companies on sustainable development challenges and to provide high quality, independent research. He studied mathematics and philosophy at Oxford and took professional examinations in investment management and research in the UK.
With over 25 years’ experience in banking and financial services with institutions like Standard Chartered and ICICI Bank and senior roles at environmental groups such as the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation and Environmental Defense Fund, Shishir leads global operations at ARE, strengthening systems and financial planning. He drives strategic partnerships to align capital markets with sustainable development, connecting investors, companies, and civil society to catalyse systemic change across Asia.
Wai Shin brings over 20 years of expertise in sustainable finance and ESG. He holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics within Natural Sciences (First Class Honours) from the University of Durham (UK). Formerly Managing Director and Global Head of ESG Research at HSBC, Wai-Shin is a recognised thought leader advising investors, corporates, and regulators on climate finance and transition risk.
At ARE, he will guide the organisation’s research, on a senior advisory basis, to align with global economic, investment, and policy developments — shaping evidence-based narratives that catalyse corporate change and support Asia’s transition to sustainable business models.
Kate leads ARE’s Protein Transition work and team across Asia. Kate has extensive expertise in food systems, farm animal health, animal welfare, and alternative proteins. Formerly, she was the Head of Research at a global NGO focused on humane farming and sustainable proteins. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors training programme and the Australian School of Applied Management. Kate has contributed to global strategies across sustainable animal husbandry and food systems, and led corporate and policy engagement, including for the One Health initiative.
Flora brings more than 20 years of experience in strategy consulting, sustainable development, and stakeholder engagement, with a deep understanding of both global trends and China’s local context. With senior roles in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Deloitte China, she has been advising companies, investors, and policymakers on environmental disclosure, sustainable growth as well as ESG strategy. Drawing on experience across consultancies and NGOs, she will translate complex policy and market developments into actionable insights for ARE investors and companies. Flora is fluent in Chinese, English, and Japanese, and holds Master of Science in Development and Population from the London School of Economics (LSE) and Master of Art in Japanese Culture from Beijing Foreign Studies University.
Vandana is a fundraising and partnerships leader with over 15 years of experience mobilising grant support and building long-term funding relationships with public and philanthropic funders. Based in Singapore, she brings a strong track record of supporting programmes to grow in scale and impact.
At ARE, Vandana leads the organisation’s regional fundraising strategy, strengthens donor stewardship, supports programme teams on grant readiness and reporting, and expands strategic partnerships aligned with ARE’s mission.
Rituj brings over 11 years of experience as a climate action practitioner and researcher, specialising in finance, food systems, and sustainability. His career highlights include being a founding member of an agri-policy advisory firm, addressing malnutrition in tribal communities, and fostering more cooperation between the G7 and G20. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi University and a postgraduate diploma in Liberal Studies and Leadership from Ashoka University. Rituj was awarded the German Chancellor’s Fellowship in 2020 for his research on impact investing in Germany.
Stella’s diverse professional journey spans critical roles in finance and investment, including ESG research, equity analysis, credit rating, and strategy. Formerly Assistant Vice President of ESG methodology at Moody’s, she adapted global ESG models for the Chinese market. She was also a consultant for the Credit Risk and Ratings Advisory Committee at UNPRI. Stella holds a Bachelor of Economics with first-class honours from the Central University of Finance and Economics and a Master’s in Finance & Investment from the University of Exeter. Her expertise reflects a dedication to advancing ESG practices and sustainable finance, grounded in a deep understanding of global financial markets.
Arun spent 25 years in the power and energy sector, developing expertise across management consultancy, equity research, energy transition strategy, corporate leadership, power trading, regulatory engagement, and green energy finance. He has held leadership roles at PTC India, HSBC Securities, KPMG and CRISIL. Arun holds an MBA in Finance, an MA in Economics, an advanced certification in Software Engineering, and is a certified alumnus of MIT Sloan’s Executive Programme in AI and Business Strategy.
Tiffany facilitates investor engagement at ARE, bringing over 15 years of experience in client relationship management. Her background includes diverse roles in both the public sector (with the UK Department for International Trade and Business Finland) and the private sector (within the financial and professional service industry). With a passion for sustainable finance, Tiffany is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change in the investment landscape.
Dave provides support in research and stakeholder engagement for Sustainable Protein. He graduated from Singapore Management University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Business Management. In his senior and final year, Dave pursued his interest in sustainable finance by working as a research assistant in SMU and later joining ARE as an intern prior to graduation.
Pongsagorn, also known as ART, leads ARE’s protein transition work in Thailand, engaging listed foodservice companies and financial institutions to advance plant-based targets and reduce reliance on animal protein. He brings over 17 years of cross-sector experience spanning Oxfam, the United Nations, Tetra Tech, and CP Group, a major player in Thailand’s agri-food sector.
Art’s expertise in sustainability strategy and stakeholder engagement underpins his work in corporate engagement, research, and advocacy — all aimed at accelerating Southeast Asia’s shift toward more sustainable and resilient protein systems.
Jo-anne is an experienced operations management professional with more than 20 years of connecting the dots between various job functions. Prior to joining ARE, she organised and supported regional business start-ups and expansion. She is very passionate about solving daily operational challenges and creating a delightful employee experience.
Swati supports communications at ARE, driving digital campaigns that amplify our voice across investors, companies and civil society. A communications professional with 10+ years of experience, she specialises in storytelling, digital innovation and full‑cycle campaign management to enhance brand visibility. Swati has built and mentored high‑performing teams and spearheaded communications and media engagement efforts that secured sustained visibility, trust and funding support. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Economics from Delhi University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising Communication Management.
Dee brings deep expertise in human resources and organisational operations, with over ten years’ experience across sectors including pharmaceuticals, finance, IT, and manufacturing. At Deutsche Bank China, she served as AVP for Benefits & Well-being, leading award-winning employee initiatives and overseeing compliance programmes. At ARE, she plays a key role in strengthening China operations and supporting HR needs across our international offices. She is certified in Senior Human Resource Management and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics.
Mira specialises in the Power Utilities sector across East and Southeast Asia. She leads in-depth research and stakeholder engagement efforts to support and accelerate decarbonization trends in the region. Mira has a background in U.S. Equity Research and Strategy, where she conducted market and sector analyses by integrating macroeconomic context with fundamental analysis. She holds an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business and is a CFA charterholder.
Arshiya drives renewable energy adoption at ARE through research, regulatory analysis, and stakeholder engagement. She designs and implements policy advocacy, corporate energy transition planning, cost-of-inaction modelling, and financing frameworks that translate climate ambition into practical execution. Arshiya holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the National Law School of India University and applies an analytical systems lens to the intersection of climate, energy, and finance. She actively builds high-impact partnerships and champions evidence-based strategies to accelerate India’s clean energy transition.
Isabelle supports the Energy Transition team at ARE through research and stakeholder engagement. She earned her Bachelor of Business Management from Singapore Management University. Isabelle sharpened her skills in strategy and sustainability working with companies across the region.
Sheetal supports ARE’s work on protein transition in India through research and stakeholder engagement, and also contributes to energy transition efforts. She holds a Master’s in Environment Management from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Prior to joining ARE, Sheetal worked with industry and government stakeholders in India, leading climate and sustainability initiatives, including policy research, capacity building and industry consultations.
Sharon Sng chairs ARE’s Board and provides independent leadership on governance, accountability, and institutional development. With more than 25 years of experience across banking, capital markets, and regional corporate leadership, she started her banking career at Standard Chartered and held senior roles at Citi, ING and BNP Paribas before joining CapitaLand Group, where she served as Head of Corporate Finance and later as CEO overseeing CapitaLand’s Indonesia operations. Sharon is on the Audit Committee of Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF).
Ajmer Singh Kairon brings senior public sector and industry leadership experience spanning Singapore, China, and India to ARE’s Board. He held a long tenure at Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, serving as Deputy Director leading rail systems strategy and delivery for major rail projects, contributing to one of the world’s most highly regarded urban rail networks. He later moved into global industry leadership and served in executive and board capacities across Asia, including Bombardier Transportation in China and as CEO of Raffles Park in India.
A senior leader across aviation, finance, and organisational transformation, Zarina Piperdi brings deep governance experience to ARE’s Board. She previously served as Group Chief Human Resource Officer at SIA Engineering Company and earlier as Chief Financial Officer of Singapore Airlines Cargo. A Fellow of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, she also serves on the National Kidney Foundation’s HR Committee alongside broader advisory and non-profit roles.
With more than two decades of leadership across Asia, Wong Ming Ghee (Bernard) adds a strong international business perspective to ARE’s Board. He previously served as President, Asia Pacific at The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, and now focuses on executive coaching and advisory work.
