Solutionists Making Moves: September 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. 

Longevity Partners, a global energy and sustainability consulting firm, announced recently the appointment of its new global Chief Commercial Officer, Louise Ellison. The appointment follows the expansion of their business development team, in a transition towards an increased focus on client demands for low-carbon business. When asked about the company’s recent growth, founder and CEO Etienne Cadestin had this to say, “Louise’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the property industry which still has a long way to go to meet its net-zero targets. I very much look forward to working alongside Louise, who will be able to develop bespoke programmes for our partners to achieve their current and future ESG and climate goals.” The rise of green jobs.

Minneapolis headquartered U.S. Bank has recently launched a full-service ESG practice. The announcement follows the surge in demand for ESG financial services, as well as delivering on the bank’s promises to offer sustainable financing solutions to their clients. Their new ESG director, Ade Adedeji, said this when asked about his inspiration to join the team, “The bank’s demonstrated national leadership in lending with environmental and social impact helped draw me in,” “But what solidified my decision was the strong commitment from bank leaders to continue to expand the ways we can help clients with sustainable financing.”

Global advisory and solutions company Willis Towers Watson announced recently the appointment of Monique-Mathys-Graaff to a newly created position, Senior Sustainable Investment Strategist. The rising Solutionist will use her expertise to drive net-positive action in support of Willis Tower Watson’s sustainability goals. “Willis Towers Watson has leading capability and breadth of expertise in sustainable investment, through its work on climate, diversity and broader social responsibility,” according to Mathys-Graaff. The solutions company is aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Her overarching goal is to embed sustainable investment practices into every single Willis Towers Watson client.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. have named Aaron Bertinetti their new head of ESG for investor relations. The bank created the position in efforts to better communicate with investors and research analysts. JPMorgan has committed to accelerating ESG efforts across their entire firm. ESG issues are becoming increasingly more important to investors, with funds often going to sustainable companies seeing a surging in popularity, according to Reuters. Bertinetti has spent the last 13 years working for advisory firm Glass Lewis as head of ESG research. His role gave him a unique vantage point to see how investors’ views have evolved over the last decade. Bertinetti’s long standing commitment towards driving solutions has seen great success throughout his career.

DLA Piper announced last Tuesday their new executive-level ESG leadership role, designed to lead ESG efforts throughout their international offices. Jean-Pierre Douglas–Henry was appointed the managing director of sustainability this September. “As we continue to navigate geo-political challenges and emerge from the pandemic, innovation, sustainability and resilience have never been more important to the firm and to our clients, and will increasingly become so,” Levine said in an interview. In a report by the Law Firm Sustainability Network, law firms are increasingly moving towards formalized roles for their sustainability programs. Today, almost a third of all ESG leaders own equity in their firms. Douglas-Henry hopes to be instrumental in further advancing a Solutionist presence in his industry.