VicSuper's chief executive Bob Welsh has won an international sustainability leadership award which was announced in Zurich last night. The International Sustainability Leadership Award is sponsored by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, SAM Group and Sustainable Performance Group. The award gives recognition to two people each year, one a leader with proven achievements in implementing sustainability principles and one who is a pioneer in promoting an innovative business approach to sustainability. Welsh was recognised as a pioneer.

Welsh initiated a multi-faceted approach to sustainability within VicSuper including its business operations and investments. Recently VicSuper released its inaugural sustainability report becoming the first superannuation fund globally to provide public information on the transparency of its operations, investments and future direction. With more than $3 billion in funds under management, Welsh says the integration of sustainability into the investment process would ultimately lead to the greatest impact.