CIO, GAVI
Jeanne Shen is Chief Investment Officer of Gavi Alliance (“Gavi”), a Geneva-based international organization and public-private partnership that improves access to new and under-used vaccines for millions of the most vulnerable children. Since its inception in 2000 Gavi immunized more than 800 million children in the world’s poorest countries. Jeanne is based in Gavi’s satellite office in Washington DC and is responsible for the strategic and operational planning of Gavi’s $2 billion investment portfolio. Jeanne has worked with her Investment Committee to diversify the investment portfolios, implement risk management practices and reporting packages, and guide the development of Gavi’s Sustainable Investment Policy. Gavi’s initial foray into sustainability began with negative screening to ensure alignment with Gavi’s mission in 2008. The organization’s efforts evolved to include strategies tied any combination of ESG integration, active engagement, impact (e.g., affordable housing) or the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To limit fossil fuel exposure, Gavi co-created two investment strategies with existing managers to address its concern on the negative impact of greenhouse gas emissions on poor countries.
In addition to the investment portfolios, Jeanne recently co-led a project to mitigate risk from self-financing participants in the COVAX facility, a global partnership effort to purchase COVID-19 vaccines. Jeanne also retains oversight of the Geneva and DC office retirement plans, and advocates for staff financial wellness by working with her consultants on developing content for education sessions and deploying transparent and low-cost retirement solutions. At the local level Jeanne enjoys giving back to the community through her volunteer work with the DC Rotary Club and Streetwise Partners.
Jeanne has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. She also has professional designations from the CFA Institute and the National Association of Corporate Directors. Jeanne is a trustee of Noblis, an independent non-profit organization that provides scientific and technical solutions to federal agencies working in the areas of civil, defense, homeland security, intelligence, and law enforcement. Her committee assignments are in Risk, and Compensation and Human Resources.