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In brief: PAI appoints IFC fundraiser as head of ESG

Denise Odaro, former head of investor relations at the International Finance Corporation, replaces Cornelia Gomez.

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Denise Odaro, head of ESG at PAI Partners

PAI Partners has a new head of ESG and sustainability, nine months after Cornelia Gomez left the role to take the top ESG job at General Atlantic.

Denise Odaro, who was most recently head of investor relations and sustainable finance co-ordination at the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, has joined PAI Partners, according to a statement from the firm. Her role will involve working with PAI’s investment team and portfolio companies, as well as the firm’s internal operations.

Paris-headquartered PAI is raising its eighth flagship Europe-focused buyout fund. It closed PAI Europe VII at €5.12 billion, exceeding its €4 billion target, in 2018.

Odaro’s role will help her “shape the future of the real economy, which is where a truly transformative approach can have a powerful impact”, she said.