Jackson Rowland

Jackson Rowland is dedicated to accelerating the transition to sustainable finance. He currently leads the Aotearoa New Zealand Stewardship Code, and was formerly Director of Ākina Invest at the Ākina Foundation, a development consultancy that aims to transform New Zealand’s economy by supporting the development of social impact businesses. In his five years as Director, Jackson launched New Zealand’s first impact investing fund, quintupled the reach of the organization’s investment readiness program and developed advisory partnerships with government agencies and investors to encourage impact investing.

He is passionate about the role of business in shaping our world, and the role investors play in influencing that while protecting value. Jackson is experienced in supporting investors to understand and adopt stewardship, ESG and impact practices, and has advised government leaders and corporations to support this work.

Previously, Jackson completed graduate study as an Obama Scholar at Columbia University in the City of New York, studying sustainable finance. He has also worked with several startups and as a lawyer in one of New Zealand’s leading law firms. He currently serves as a Board Trustee for Make a Wish New Zealand and was previously the Oceania lead for the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community.

He holds bachelor’s degrees in law and science from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and was a member of the 2019 class of the Obama Foundation Leaders program in Asia-Pacific.

Lead, Aotearoa New Zealand Stewardship Code: 1 year

Director, Akina Invest: 6 years

Startup: 1 year

Investor relations, equity crowdfunding: 1 year

Commercial Lawyer: 3 years

LLB/BSC at University of Canterbury

Obama Scholar at Columbia University in the City of New York, Sustainable Finance focus.