Epworth Investment Management (Epworth) has named Reverend Andrew Harper as head of ethics.

In this newly created position, Reverend Harper will be responsible for all matters related to the ethical thought leadership and performance of Epworth and the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church.

The UK investment manager is dedicated to serving the needs of charities, while Christian ethics has been at the centre of Epworth’s investment strategy since its inception.

With the hire of Reverend Harper, Epworth believes it will be better positioned to champion the ethical requirements of its clients, while ensuring that remains a good steward of investors’ money. It also hopes that the outward-facing role will enhance its external engagement with churches, charities, and wider ethical networks.

From Texas, and ordained in the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Reverend Harper was previously director of global and learning innovation at Cliff College, a graduate and postgraduate evangelical learning community that forms part of the Methodist Church.

As part of his overseas experience managing aid programmes, he has witnessed first-hand the social devastation of modern slavery practised in some tea plantations, an issue Epworth has sought to address through engagement with major UK food manufacturers.

He holds postgraduate qualifications in theology from the Southern Methodist University in Dallas and will shortly complete his Doctor of Ministry with Wesley University in Nigeria.

David Palmer, Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Andrew to Epworth and the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church. His deep understanding of the theology of investment and practical experience in the field will be invaluable assets to our team and will support the evolution of our ethical understanding, standards and engagement”.