Ms Schmitt was climate and sustainability consultant at AECOM.

She will report to Gemma Woodward, head of responsible investment at Quilter Cheviot, and will help develop the firm's investment climate action plan and work toward achieving its net zero target.

She will also lead on themed engagements to understand and assess the climate transition plans of companies and funds, as well as carrying out policy engagement and informing Quilter Cheviot’s voting decisions.

The responsible investment team looks after the company’s stewardship programme, ESG integration and ESG screening. It also supports targeted solutions for clients who want their portfolios to reflect specific interests or preferences.

Ms Woodward said: “This new role adds another dimension to our team and ensures we can give as much attention to climate related issues as we possibly can.”

Margaret Schmitt has a broad background in sustainability, environmental policy, and ecological restoration.

She said: “Responsible investment is an area in which real change can be made in terms of our impact on our environment and society. I have a real passion for the environment and climate transition, and the investment community has a crucial role in helping us to achieve positive outcomes in this regard.”

Quilter oversees £101.9bn in customer investments (as at 31 March).

It has an adviser and customer offering spanning financial advice, investment platforms, multi-asset investment solutions and discretionary fund management.

Parent company Quilter encompasses the Financial Planning businesses, Quilter Financial Planning, the Quilter investment platform and Quilter Investors, the multi-asset investment solutions business.

Quilter Cheviot includes the discretionary fund management business, Quilter Cheviot, together with Quilter Private Client Advisers.