The Gold Standard: Diversity Matters

In addition to serving on VanEck’s DEI Committee, Ima Casanova has been a member of the investment team for the International Investors Gold Fund and Global Resources Fund since she joined VanEck in 2011. Recently, it was announced that Ima will be taking over as Portfolio Manager for the VanEck International Investors Gold Fund, effective May 1, 2023.

Ima’s diverse background includes both BS and MS degrees, as well as industry experience in engineering, which helps to shape her analysis and interactions with prominent and upcoming gold mining companies. Ima’s recent discussion with Asset TV includes details of her professional career path, in addition to an overview of how diversity, equity and inclusion factors have evolved in the gold mining space and broader financial services industry.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Gold Industry

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) factors are important to consider when evaluating a company’s long-term prospects. From this perspective, we have witnessed significant change in the gold mining industry over the past two decades, as companies have increasingly diversified the composition of their boards. More women are represented on boards and, as large shareholders in several gold mining companies, we can express our support (or lack thereof) for aspects that involve diversity at the board level (36:01).

Other highlights include:

• 02:06 – Ima’s decision to pursue a career in finance
• 10:41 – Ima’s career progression at VanEck
• 28:31 – Work/life balance
• 45:48 – Overview of VanEck’s DEI Committee
• 48:59 – Advice for women starting their career: embrace being a woman