With companies and investors increasingly talking about governance, IROs should add these names to their contact list
Drew Hambly, executive director, Morgan Stanley Investment Management
When it comes to engagement, Drew Hambly is not prescriptive about how and when to meet, but he does believe companies should show foresight. ‘Don’t call the day before your annual shareholders’ meeting soliciting a vote,’ he says. ‘At that point you’ve missed the boat on engagement.’ 
He also prefers not to rehash reports by proxy advisers. ‘I caution companies and management on trying to sell me on why ISS or Glass Lewis is wrong,’ he says. ‘Tell me why you think this is right for the company.’
Factfile
– This past year, Hambly met more frequently with companies’ chief sustainability officers, or the individuals in charge of energy or water efficiency programs, a trend he expects to continue.
– What events should prompt companies to engage? Hambly says a shareholder proposal garnering strong support or a say-on-pay vote below the 60 percent-65 percent threshold.
– Hambly began his corporate governance career in 1998 at the Investor Responsibility Research Center.
– His hobbies include skiing, travel and running.
