Solutionists Making Moves: November 12-19 Edition

Welcome to this week’s edition of Solutionists Making Moves. 

From established ESG professionals to rising Solutionists, we want to share their successes and celebrate the achievements of those leading the charge in bringing net-positive solutions to the world. Here’s this week’s roundup of Solutionists making waves in their respective industries.

Alternative investment manager Blackstone recently announced the hiring of Dr. Jean Rogers, Founder and Former CEO of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), as its new Global Head of ESG. Rogers will lead Blackstone’s ESG efforts, overseeing the firm’s strategy. Jon Gray, Blackstone President and Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are thrilled to have attracted someone of Jean’s caliber to lead our ESG efforts. Jean’s significant domain expertise will be invaluable as we work to advance diversity, decarbonization and good governance across our portfolio. ESG initiatives are integral to how we drive value for our investors and we look forward to partnering with Jean to advance these important efforts in the years ahead.”

Power management company Eaton recently announced the appointment of Harold V. Jones as its first Chief Sustainability Officer. Jones has led Eaton’s ESG initiatives since 2011. Last yera, under his leadership, the company announced its 2030 Sustainability Targets. This includes their goal to become carbon neutral by 2030. The company also published its first-ever “Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures” report (TCFD), and joined the global movement to limit the increase of the world’s temperature to 1.5°C, a topic widely discussed at COP26.

Global active asset manager Ninety One recently announced the hiring of Nazmeera Moola to a newly created role of Chief Sustainability Officer. Her responsibility will include overseeing the firm’s company-wide sustainability goals, including investment and policy engagement. Hendrik du Toit, Founder and Chief Executive, Ninety One, said: “We are committed to the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and believe that the best way to achieve this is through a fair and inclusive transition… Finance has a vital role to play in transitioning the real economy to net zero, and the time to act is now.

Bank of Ireland has recently hired analyst Eamonn Hughes to become its Chief Sustainability and Investor Relations Officer. ESG strategy in relation to finance has been a major theme of Hughes’ research. “I’m delighted to welcome Eamonn as chief sustainability & investor relations officer,” said Bank of Ireland chief executive Francesca McDonagh. “For Bank of Ireland, sustainability is integral to our strategy underpinning our support for communities, customers and investors. Climate change is an existential threat to our world and we believe that banking, and Bank of Ireland, has a major role to play in this battle.”

Toronto Maple Leafs firm Cream Productions recently appointed a Sustainability Strategy Manager to lead efforts to become carbon negative company-wide. Angelica Siegel will oversee and manage the company’s sustainability efforts across all offices and respective productions. Siegel will focus on data analysis, announce and manage reports, and initiate ‘green protocols’ across the board. The hiring makes Cream one of the first production companies to invest significant resources into creating a dedicated sustainability team.