Mr. Srivastava assumes non-executive chairmanship of the ASrIA Board of Directors, with effect from today, 23 November 2006. In his new role, Mr. Srivastava will guide the Board of Directors in continuing to position ASrIA as one of the leading institutions dedicated to promoting corporate responsibility and sustainable investment practice in the Asia Pacific region.

ASrIA is a not-for-profit membership organisation founded in 2001 with the purpose of promoting Sustainable & Responsible Investment (SRI) across the Asia Pacific. Since its inception, ASrIA has organized conferences, seminars, workshops and published wide-ranging research on SRI issues. ASrIA’s members include investment institutions and other organisations that have an interest in sustainable investment.

As a keen supporter of SRI, Rabobank has been a member of ASrIA for the last three years.

Mr. Srivastava takes over from ASrIA’s co-founder and former Chair Ms. Tessa Tennant, who  remains on the Board and will continue to provide  support to the group.  Commenting on the appointment she said “In the interests of good governance it was time for a new Chair and we are delighted that Rajesh has accepted our invitation.  His involvement will improve our understanding of Southern Asian issues, and more broadly in private equity and the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
With over 10 years of strategic experience in food & agribusiness (FAR) sectors across the globe, Mr. Srivastava is well-versed in key concerns and considerations relating to the global Food & Agribusiness.

Mr. Srivastava’s experience and knowledge in Food & Agribusiness and sustainability will complement his leadership role at the ASrIA Board of Directors, given global interest in renewable energy and sustainable biofuels.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Fergus Murphy, Head of Asia region at Rabobank International said, “Rabobank is dedicated to sustainable and responsible banking and we are constantly looking for ways to deepen our support and to add value to the relationships with our partners in this area. The appointment of Rajesh Srivastava as Chairman is testament to our extensive involvement in this area.”