
As society continues to navigate the climate crisis, the role of a chief sustainability officer (CSO) has never been more urgent or important. Today's CSO is expected to assess risk and build resilience, identify emerging opportunities, and influence the thinking and behaviour of businesses, investors, governments and regulators - all for the better.
Part of understanding and strengthening this ever-evolving role means unpacking the skillset required and the challenges faced. With that, Acre has launched a series of interviews with sustainability leaders across different industries, from around the world, to share their perspectives on the current and future role of the CSO.

The Evolution of the CSO's Role
How has the role and the sustainability leadership landscape developed over the last 3 years and how will it change in the coming 5 years?

The Skillset Required
What advice would you give to anyone aspiring to become a CSO? What skillsets and networks are needed to become future change-makers?

Reflection on COP26
Reflecting on COP26, what’s next for tackling the climate crisis?
Meet Your Hosts
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Mike Barry
Director, Mikebarryeco Consultancy
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Harco Leertouwer
Managing Director - Europe
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Tanith Allen
Director - Sustainable Infrastructure & Manufacturing
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Catherine Harris
Director of Sustainable Business - North America
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Greg Brittian
Head of Sustainable Business - APAC
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Johnny Goldsmith
Head of Sustainable Construction Recruitment
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Rufus Bullough
Head of Sustainable Technology Recruitment
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Dani Walker
Head of Corporate Affairs & Communications, FMCG
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Elisabeth Tengbergen
Principal Consultant - Sustainable Business
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Quotes from the Series
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"One call to action is to work across the company, work across your value chain and don’t be afraid to be bold. Make bold commitments and think bold."
Nicola Kimm - Chief Sustainability Officer
HeidelbergCement
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“We need to train young people to be creative with the planning and with the execution of strategies that are either creating opportunities or creating risks”
Martin Kathriner - Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director
Coca Cola HBC
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“The changes are all around taking a holistic view of business and being able to translate that into a vision, into a strategy and practical actions. The requirements for the Chief Sustainability Officer have exploded and we have to be able to do all of those things, all of the time.”
Daniella Vega - Global Senior Vice President of Health & Sustainability
Ahold Delhaize
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“In order to perform on such a level, you need to have past experience in sales, stakeholder engagement or supply chain - there are various areas of the business that interrelates with sustainability. The more background you have, the better it is”
Michael Dickstein - CSR Leader
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“Sustainability is something that should be embedded in everyone’s functions within the company and everyone should take responsibility for their part.”
Annamiek de Graaf - Specialist - Health & Sustainability
Ahold Delhaize
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“Lose the emotion, lose the triple bottom line - it’s not about being pragmatic, it’s asking if your business is sustainable and if not why not.”
Tony Henshaw - Experienced Board Member
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"To be able to play your part alongside your peers in a leadership team, it helps to have business acumen. My advice would be to try and find a way to get that capability and insight as it’s so important. If you want to be strategic and play that strategic role, everything we are doing is about embedding it into a business strategy."
Miguel Veiga-Pestana - Chief Sustainability Officer
Reckitt
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"Doing what I do is the best job in the world."
Julia Barrett - Chief Sustainability Officer
Willmott Dixon
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“It’s now much more about working together. If you lead a team, it’s about finding cross-functioning teams, upskilling people and getting the right experts within the company on board. It’s about being the glue and facilitator, being consultative and empowering others - This is more important now than ever before."
Dorothée D'Herde - Head of Sustainable Business
Vodafone
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"When you get in your lane and you’re really curious about something there’s no stopping you. If you continually read and think about things in your life, you can build that picture of how you want to make an impact through your career."
Harriet Talbot - Global Sustainability Manager
Unilever
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"When you are thinking about the Chief Sustainability Officer role, you have got to be curious - read, engage with others. I spend a lot of time reading different forms of media and other people’s opinions from different areas to really understand the big emerging macro-level issues."
Rebecca Marmot - Chief Sustainability Officer
Unilever
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"In my view, the one person who is actually the Chief Sustainability Officer of a company is the CEO or the Managing Director. They have a viewpoint of what the customers are asking about from their head offices and marketing department, and therefore know what changes need to be made.”
Deeksha Vats - Chief Sustainability Officer
Aditya Birla Group
New Opportunities

Find Your Next Challenge
Operating globally from our offices in the UK, Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, we live by our values, and we are driven by our shared vision; brighter futures for all.
This is what drives us – the knowledge that we are providing organisations with outstanding talent, with the right skills to make the biggest impact in progressive organisations, across sustainability, climate change, corporate affairs & communications, ESG, impact investing, health & safety, environment and energy & clean technology.
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Head of Energy Strategy
£Competitive
Hounslow
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for sustainability, a strong background in energy and looking to make a huge impact on decarbonization i...
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Sustainability Manager
£Competitive
London
At Little Moons, good business means being good to both people and our wonderful planet. This unique and innovative frozen and chilled mochi busine...
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Executive Director
$Competitive
Memphis
Launched in 2020, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a program that offers brands and retailers the critical assurances needed to source more sustai...
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Impact Bond Analyst
£Competitive
London
Acre is working with a global asset manager who is looking for a sustainability analyst to work on a new fund dedicated to impact, green and sustai...
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Business Development Manager
Competitive Salary + Benefits
Singapore
Are you competitive by nature and driven by numbers? Does selling and building a business excite you? Do you have a passion for sustainability? I...
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Stakeholder Engagement Manager - APAC
HK$ Competitive Salary + Benefits
Hong Kong
The Manager, Stakeholder Engagement is a vital role in the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), a leading industry group of over 250 apparel, footw...
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Communications Director, Climate Champions Team
£Negotiable
London
Acre is delighted to be in partnership with the Climate Champions Team to help source a Communications Director to develop and implement the commu...
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Responsible Business Executive - Law Firm
£Competitive
London
Do you want to join a leading international legal business who are in the growth phase of its Responsible Business strategy? This is an exciting ...
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Environmental Sustainability Lead, Carbon
£Competitive
England
Greene King is passionate about delivering their purpose to 'pour happiness into lives'. As the country's leading pub retailer and brewer, they are...
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Client Delivery Manager
£Competitive
Oxfordshire
Are you motivated to work for a fast-growth purpose-led company, accelerating progress towards carbon reduction targets needed to tackle the bigges...
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Head of UK Sales
£Competitive
City of London
Acre is working with a fintech data and analytics start-up that is looking for a head of sales to join its team. Our client provides portfolio solu...
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Associate Director - Biodiversity and Nature
Up to £80,000
London
Acre is working with one of the UK's largest banks to help them hire an Associate Director- Biodiversity and Nature. They are a diversified bank wi...
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Investment Analyst
$125,000 - $150,000 + bonus + benefits
New York
Are you an investment analyst looking to transition into impact? We are currently supporting a c.$400m fund investing in real assets such as fore...
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Sustainability Consultant - Belgium
€Competitive
Brussels
Are you a sustainability professional looking for international exposure and high-impact projects? Schneider Electric has an incredible opportunity...
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Team Build - Project Development Leadership Roles, Battery Storage IPP
$Competitive Salary + Bonus, LTIP, 401K and benefits
United States of America
Are you an ambitious renewable energy or large-scale infrastructure developer looking to break into the standalone battery storage space? Acre is...
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Head of Product - Climate Software
£Competitive
Oxford
Are you a motivated SaaS Product Management, Strategy and Delivery professional looking to move into a purpose-led role in an organisation that hel...
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Director of Social Impact, Private Markets
USD$150,000 - $200,000 + Bonus
North America
Are you a leader in Social Impact, passionate about enhancing sustainability capabilities across private markets? If so, this opportunity may be ri...
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Carbon Analyst
£40,000 - £50,000 + competitive benefits
Oxford
Keen to leverage your LCA/ PCF skills to develop scalable solutions that accelerate cross-industries decarbonisation efforts? Inspired by the prosp...
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Sustainability Advisor
£35,000 - £40,000 + Package
Oxford
Are you a motivated sustainability professional looking to be an integral part of an organisation whose purpose is to help businesses across the gl...
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Head of Sustainability
£Competitive
City of London
Acre has partnered with a leading global market Lloyd's (Re)insurer to identify a Head of Sustainability to join them on a one-year mat leave cover...
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Assistant Sustainability Manager
£Competitive
London
Acre is partnered with an internationally renowned consumer goods organisation in over 190 countries, with several billion consumers every day. Wit...
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Equity Research Analyst
£Competitive
City of London
We are working with a leading European asset manager in their search for an analyst to support a team of experienced portfolio managers who are run...
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Senior Advisor - Private Sector
£Competitive
London
The Senior Private Sector Advisor plays a senior, critical role in the delivery of our objectives to engage the private sector in our work. The rol...
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Senior Sustainability Consultant
£Competitive
London
If you're a sustainability professional with an interest in technology and agriculture, this could be the opportunity for you! Map of Ag is a glo...
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Sustainability Manager
£50,000 - £70,000 + benefits + travel subsidies
East Midlands
Are you a sustainability professional excited by working on a broad remit, from tracking carbon emissions to developing creative waste management s...
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Senior Director Strategic Growth
$150,000 - $175,000 Per Annum
District of Columbia
The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is a mission-driven non-profit launched in 2006 and dedicated to creating a more just and sustainable world. T...
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Investment Principal
£Competitive Salary + Bonus
London
We are currently supporting a leading growth private equity firm who are looking to add an Investment Manager/Associate to their team. The fund inv...
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Technical Manager - Carbon Consultancy
$Competitive
California
Acre is partnered with EP Carbon to hire a Technical Manager to join their growing AFOLU carbon practice. EP Carbon, formerly known as ecoPartners,...
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VP of Sustainability
$250,000 - $275,000 + Benefits
New York
Acre has partnered with one of the world's top CPG firms to find a VP of Sustainability for their global business. Reporting into the company CEO, ...
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Interim ESG Executive
£400 per day
London
Do you want to work for a property developer that is committed to playing an active part in addressing the issues of climate change? Our client is ...
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Head of Quality, Health and Safety
£Competitive + Car Allowance
London
Are you a highly capable and inspirational individual who can effect positive change? Do you have experience in developing a positive health and sa...
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Interim Senior GHG Accounting Analyst
£400 - £500 per day + Outside IR35
England
Acre is partnered with one of the world's leading Procurement and Supply Chain Consultancies to identify a Senior GHG Analyst to join them for a mi...
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Senior Manager, Digital Communications
£Competitive
England
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is a collaborative, global, multi-stakeholder non-profit alliance for the fashion industry. It is made up o...
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Health and Safety Manager
£Competitive
England
Acre has been engaged by a global real estate organisation to identify a new Health and Safety & Manager to join one of their National Accounts Div...
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Chief Development Officer
£Competitive
London
Acre is thrilled to partner with an industry-leading green hydrogen energy group in growing its project development capabilities through this key l...
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Chief Commercial Officer
£Competitive
London
Are you an entrepreneurial energy and sustainability leader with a passion for transforming our energy economy? Do you thrive in creative and ambit...
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Director of Asset Management
$175,000 - $200,000 Per Annum
Salt Lake City
Acre is working with a renewable energy transition organization to help them find their Director of Asset Management O&M. This organization is deve...
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Senior Manager - Innovation and Climate Change
£Competitive + Benefits
London
This role, and all roles at ICMM, are open to candidates from any and all geographic regions. Minerals and metals are essential for modern living...
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Principal Power Electronics Engineer
$Competitive + Benefits + Stock option package
Austin
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permane...
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Label Licensing Manager
£Competitive
London
Are you interested in influencing, motivating and guiding a team to deliver excellent customer service and meet agreed service levels? Do you enj...
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CEO - Carbon Start-Up
$200,000 - $250,000 per annum
Vermont
Are you an established leader in the carbon space looking for your next big project? One Tree Planted has been dedicated to making it easier for ...
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Sustainability Manager
£Competitive
Twickenham
IAG Cargo is the cargo handling division of International Airlines Group and one of the world's largest airfreight logistics organisations; as well...
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Investor Relations Director (ESG)
€Competitive
Paris
The Korian Group is dedicated to delivering the highest quality long-term care services to elderly or vulnerable people, with an emphasis on preser...
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Senior Carbon Consultant
$100,000 - $120,000 per annum
Manhattan
Have you been looking for your next opportunity to make an impact on our planet's climate and future? EcoAct is an international climate consulta...
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ESG Investment Research Associate - TMT
Up to US$150,000 per annum
New York
Our client is a recognized leader in responsible investing. Their mission is to deliver superior long-term performance to our clients and to enable...
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Interim Net Zero Consultant
£500 - £600 per day
London
Acre is working with a renowned property management organisation looking for a Net Zero and reporting specialist to support their sustainability te...
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Grants Manager
£Competitive
Zurich
Nature-related finance has many dimensions, actors and change pathways. The measurement and pricing of nature-related risk is generating a new data...
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Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
€Competitive
Paris
About Sucres et Denrées (SUCDEN): Sucres et Denrées (SUCDEN) is an independent soft commodities trader based in Paris. Over the last few years, SUC...
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Head of Market - Singapore
$Competitive
Singapore
Are you passionate about giving everyone the tools to be more climate-conscious? Globally, AXA Climate is a team of 100+ climate experts headquar...
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ESG Associate
$65,000 - $80,000 per annum + bonus + benefits
San Diego
BioMed Realty is looking to hire an ESG Associate to join their rapidly growing team and ESG platform. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in...
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ESG Executive - Infrastructure Investor
€Competitive
Amsterdam
Are you an ESG specialist looking to join an ambitious and purpose-driven firm? Our client is a leading independent European private markets infras...
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Head of Sustainability & ESG - Private Equity, Paris
€Competitive
Paris
Are you an ESG specialist looking for the opportunity to join a well-established and purpose-leading private-equity investor? This is a newly cre...
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Civil Structural Engineering Manager
$Competitive
Arizona
Are you a Civil Structural Engineering professional looking to provide both technical expertise and people leadership? Acre is working with a marke...
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Decarbonisation Specialist - Logistics Facilities
€Competitive
Copenhagen
Are you a sustainability professional willing to decarbonise the future of the logistics industry? Do you thrive in designing decarbonisation strat...
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Sustainability Product Owner
€Competitive
Eindhoven
Through strategic data collection, governance, methodology and carbon accounting modules, our client offers its key customers and suppliers innovat...
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Data and Reporting Specialist - Sustainable Packaging
€Competitive
Nederland
Are you a data-savvy sustainability professional who wants to have an impact at the global level? Unwrap your full potential at Perfetti Van Melle....
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Senior Compliance Officer
$Competitive + Bonus
Boston
An international asset management group is seeking an experienced Senior Compliance Officer to join their Boston-based, mission-led investment mana...
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Investment Analyst
£Competitive + bonus
London
Inthallo is searching for an investment analyst to join their growing team in the London office. Inthallo invests in small-scale businesses capable...
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Net Zero Special Projects Manager
£Competitive
England
Acre is working with a renowned property developer and owner who is looking for a Net Zero and reporting specialist to support its sustainability a...
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Senior Carbon Project Developer
£Competitive
London
Acre is working with a world-leading provider of energy solutions that supports key sectors such as oil & gas, petrochemical & refining, building s...
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Director of Climate Change
£Competitive
England
The manufacturing space has the reach and scale to affect the industrial and consumer markets by developing cutting-edge products and services that...
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Head of Sustainable Finance, Emerging Market Impact Fund
£Competitive Salary + Bonus
London
We are currently supporting an innovative emerging markets private credit investor to launch a new strategy centred around decarbonisation in globa...
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Research Analyst
£Competitive
London
A global research and consulting firm that works on behalf of retail and institutional investment management firms is seeking a Research Analyst to...
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Health & Safety Manager - Real Estate
£Competitive
London
Acre is working closely with a high-profile Property Management business, with over 150 properties across London and the South. This is a great opp...
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Environment Adviser - Global Law Firm
£Competitive
London
Are you an environmental or sustainability professional with experience in environmental management systems? Do you want to support the implementat...
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Sustainability VP
$150,000 - $180,000
New York
A top-tier global financial group that is committed to achieving net zero emissions is seeking a VP-level Sustainability Manager. Responsibilities ...
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Climate & Biodiversity Specialist - Private Equity
€Competitive
Paris
We are working with a global operating private investment firm with an exceptional and progressive ESG & Sustainability agenda in place since 2008....
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Senior Manager, Sustainability & CSR
€Competitive
Spain
Are you a developed sustainability professional with experience and looking to make a further impact within the apparel, fashion and/or textile spa...
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Manager of Higg Index Product Tools & Life Cycle Assessments
€Competitive
Netherlands
Are you a developed sustainability professional with strong life cycle assessment (LCA) experience looking to make an impact throughout an industry...
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Group Head of Health & Hygiene
€Competitive
Zurich
Holcim, the world's global leader in innovative and sustainable building materials is looking to appoint a leader to drive forward their global hea...
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Sales Manager E-Mobility
€Competitive
Brussels
Are you an ambitious sales professional looking to take the next step into the EV charging industry? Acre is working with ChargeGuru to identify an...
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Programme Manager - Farm Impact
€Competitive
Amsterdam
Are you driven by making positive tangible difference both environmentally and on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers? The Organic Cotton Acce...
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Sustainability Consultant - Netherlands
€Competitive
Netherlands
Are you a sustainability professional looking for international exposure and high-impact projects? Schneider Electric has an incredible opportunity...
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Our Latest Episodes
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Episode 2 • Digital Standards Initiative
Joining us for the second episode of the 'Future of the CSO - APAC' series is Pamela Mar, Managing Director of the Digital Standards Initiative and former Executive Vice President – Knowledge & Applications at the Fung Group. At the time of the interview, Pam led the Fung Academy’s knowledge generation, application, and dissemination in support of the Fung Group’s business success and readiness for the future. Her ongoing dedication to the industry, knowledge and passion made her the ideal interviewee for episode 2.
Who is Involved?
Acre
At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with the potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on their journey to crafting a legacy. Our two decades of experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change.
Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we also understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact.
Patricia Dwyer, CEO at The Purpose Business
Co-Host of our APAC 'Future of the CSO' Interviews
Pat is an internationally-respected sustainability expert, passionate about sharing her 20+ years of experience and leadership to help businesses in Asia thrive through responsible growth. She has guest lectured, spoken and moderated across global platforms including The Obama Foundation, The World Economic Forum, The Thomson Reuters Foundation, The University of Cambridge and The Climate Competent Boards Certificate Program, sharing her insights in sustainability, purpose, leadership and governance.
Pat and her team of globally-experienced sustainability and business practitioners across industry, academia, NGOs and government at The Purpose Business, guide companies to activate purpose, address ESG impacts and scale sustainability responsibly, in order to future-proof their business. Pat has advised and worked with blue chip companies including MTR, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Marsh Asia, Cathay Pacific, Jardine Matheson, Swire Properties, Universal Robina, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation, and Ayala.
Mike Barry, Director at mikebarryeco
Co-Host of our UK & European 'Future of the CSO' Interviews
Mike is a leader in sustainable change. During his time at M&S, he helped evolve Plan A to become a change management programme designed to make sustainability 'how M&S did business'. The business achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status, moved to 100% renewable electricity and achieved carbon neutrality across its global estate of stores, offices and warehouses. Having worked at an international level of business, with charities, with think tanks, and with start-ups, he has a broad array of experience. Upon leaving M&S he formed mikebarryeco ltd in order to support organisations across society and the economy to deliver sustainable change.
Watch the Full Series Here
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the future of the cso
16 November 2022
Episode 2 • The Digital Standards Initiative • The Future of the CSO • APAC
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sustainability recruitment
climate change recruitment
19 October 2022
Episode 1 • UOB • The Future of the CSO • APAC
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the future of the cso
21 June 2022
Episode 9 • HeidelbergCement • Future of the CSO
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the future of the cso
16 May 2022
Episode 8 • Coca Cola HBC • The Future of the CSO
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sustainability recruitment
the future of the cso
03 May 2022
Episode 7 • Unilever • Future of the CSO
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the future of the cso
27 April 2022
Episode 6 • Reckitt • Future of the CSO
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