Kevin Parker: China Will Set Pace Of Environmental Policy In 2014

In this episode of China Money Podcast, we feature guest Kevin Parker, CEO of New York-based investment management firm, Sustainable Insight Capital Management. Parker was the global head of Deutsche Asset Management, which manages $750 billion, from 2004 to 2012. Parker shares his thoughts on the growth of sustainable investing, explains why China is setting the global environmental policy this year, and how China is likely to lower the cost of electric vehicle productions. Q: Let's start with something fun. You own and have run a bio-dynamic winery in Southern France called Chateau Maris Cru starting from the late 1990s. What's the best and the most difficult part about running your own winery? A: The best part is drinking (the wine), of course. After a career on Wall Street with a telephone in one hand and sitting in front of a computer and moving money around, (it's nice) to make something tangible. Something that people can taste, feel and enjoy. (Our) winery has been bio-dynamic, or organic, for 17 years. Being a sustainable farmer for 17 years gives me certain credibility (to discuss sustainability issues). But it takes about seven years to convert a vineyard away from the use of pesticides, fungicides and synthetic chemicals to a completely natural approach. You see that the soils really come alive. Being a New Yorker and naturally impatient, it taught me something about time and patience.