The investment business of London-listed Standard Life is focusing on environmental, social and governance factors.

Standard Life Investments, the global investment manager, has appointed Euan Stirling to the new role of head of stewardship and ESG investment.

Stirling, who joined Standard Life Investments in 2001 from Schroder Investment Management, has managed a range of institutional UK equity portfolios as senior fund manager and investment analyst.

His appointment comes as Guy Jubb plans to step down as global head of governance and stewardship. Jubb, who led the development of the business's corporate governance team in 1992, will retire at the end of March.

“Euan’s expertise in company analysis, portfolio management and client relations equip him well to ensure that the outstanding stewardship capability of our governance and stewardship and responsible investment teams is fully embedded within our 'Focus on Change' investment process,” said Rod Paris, chief investment officer at Standard Life Investments.

“This new role will enable us to enhance our client offering in an area where we are already regarded as market leaders and will ensure that Standard Life Investments continues to be at the forefront of stewardship and ESG investment.”