Finding Ways Ahead was founded by me, Harald Walkate.

In ESG circles, I am known for a focus on evidence-based approaches and for emphasizing the importance of being clear on objectives, or as I like to say, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you may end up someplace else.” 

From 2019 until 2021 I was the Head of Responsible Investment (ESG) and member of the Executive Committee at Natixis Investment Managers, one of the largest asset management groups in the world.

Prior to that, I worked for Aegon for fifteen years in different capacities, lastly as Global Head of Responsible Investment at Aegon Asset Management.

My work in these functions has included working with portfolio managers and analysts to integrate ESG considerations into investments, active ownership (engagement & voting), policy and organizational issues, and identifying positive impact investment opportunities within different asset classes, with a particular focus on blended finance.

I am a Senior Fellow with the University of Zurich Center for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth (CSP) and a regular contributor to University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) programs. For several years I was an advisor to the Impact Management Project and I am on the board of the AIF Global Center for ESG and Sustainable Finance. 

I speak regularly at conferences and seminars on the topics of responsible investment, impact investment and social enterprise. A former corporate attorney with Allen & Overy, I also have significant experience in corporate strategy, international business development and M&A and hold a law degree (Leiden University) and an MBA (University of Chicago Booth). I am married to Eliane and live in Amsterdam with our 3 children.

In what little free time remains, I’m active as board member of the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, and as a jazz pianist in my own right: I have recorded and performed with some of the Netherlands’ best-known professional musicians.