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CSO – Leadership for Climate Responsibility, ESG and Sustainable Value Creation
Odgers takes its role seriously in reducing climate risks. We support organisations in selecting leaders who embed sustainability into corporate strategy, without losing sight of the planet. At a time when investors and other stakeholders are increasingly demanding transparency on environmental, social and governance matters, we guide a wide range of organisations in meeting this challenge.
Odgers specialises in CSO executive search and sustainability executive search at C-suite level. As a search partner for sustainability leadership, we connect your organisation with the most qualified ESG and sustainability experts. From start-up to multinational, we map the sustainability leadership landscape and strengthen talent development.
Big enough to matter, small enough to care.
Our approach to leadership search in sustainability
Sustainability leadership requires a careful approach. A credible sustainability strategy that seamlessly aligns with the overall corporate strategy is crucial for value creation for all stakeholders. Our approach is built around three pillars: Identify, Build and Develop.
Identify
We explore the strategic context: where does your organisation stand on ESG, climate goals and governance? Drawing on those insights, we formulate a forward-looking leadership profile.
Build
Using our global network, we develop a carefully composed pool of candidates with experience in ESG and sustainability challenges. We work across a range of sectors, including financial services, construction, consumer goods, and the chemical and process industries.
Develop
Our support extends beyond the appointment. We assist with onboarding and integration, ensuring your sustainability leader is connected to the organisation's direction and goals from day one.
Who brings sustainability to life in the strategy and culture of your organisation?
Sustainability is not the sole preserve of specialists. It is a shared goal for all stakeholders. Leaders who understand this increase employee engagement and make a meaningful contribution to reducing climate risks.
That is why we speak with clients and candidates worldwide about their vision on climate change, regardless of sector or role.
Why is sustainability leadership more strategic than ever?
Investors and stakeholders are demanding ever greater transparency on environmental policy, social responsibility and governance. Increasing regulation around ESG, including CSRD, makes sustainability an essential component of value creation and continuity. This calls for leaders who connect sustainability with the broader strategy of the organisation.
How does Odgers itself contribute to reducing climate risks?
Our contribution to reducing climate risks is most clearly reflected in our work for clients. At the same time, we are committed to further reducing our own ecological footprint. In collaboration with Carbon Intelligence, we have developed a carefully considered strategy to that end. After calculating our global CO₂ emissions for scope 1, 2 and 3, we have set targets that are scientifically grounded. These have been recognised by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as an example of best practice.
We continue to focus internationally on reducing our CO₂ emissions and on realising the course we have set for ourselves.
Chief Sustainability Officer executive search across sectors
Odgers supports organisations across a wide range of sectors in recruiting Chief Sustainability Officers and ESG leaders. Each environment requires its own profile and approach. We translate our sector knowledge into a sharp profile and an effective search strategy.
- Financial services requires CSO leaders who embed sustainability into investment decisions, risk management and reporting within an increasingly demanding regulatory and societal framework.
- Industry, energy & chemicals requires Chief Sustainability Officers who drive the transition towards sustainable operations and strategically balance environmental impact, supply chain responsibility and stakeholder pressure.
- Consumer goods & retail requires CSO leaders who credibly connect sustainability to brand, consumer behaviour and supply chain management without compromising commercial strength.
- Construction, real estate & infrastructure requires ESG leaders who translate sustainability ambitions into tangible area development, material choices and long-term value in the built environment.
How we help our clients
We advise and guide our clients in finding executive leaders across every sector.
Ready to attract sustainability leadership that fits your organisation?
We would be glad to think along with you about the possibilities and solutions we see for your organisation. Get in touch with our consultants.
Your partner in leadership solutions
With over 50 years' experience, Odgers combines deep market insight with a holistic approach that looks beyond the CV. We identify candidates based on cultural fit, strategic vision and future perspective. Leaders who not only suit your current context, but are also prepared for tomorrow's challenges.
Discover our approachWhy is sustainability leadership more strategically important for our business now than ever before?
Customers, investors and regulators are raising the bar on sustainability; that is why it is now a strategic priority. A CSO ensures this agenda is fully embedded in the business strategy, helping to prevent reputational damage and build long-term value.
What exactly is the purpose of a CSO in practice, if our sustainability agenda is already being managed across existing departments?
A CSO prevents sustainability initiatives from remaining fragmented by setting one clear direction. This leader coordinates and connects all ESG activity across the business, ensuring coherence and that all departments contribute to the same sustainability objectives.
How do we embed sustainability in our business strategy without putting our profitability at risk?
Sustainability initiatives can strengthen profitability when the right choices are made. A CSO focuses on projects that deliver both environmental or social impact and financial benefit, ensuring sustainability contributes to the bottom line over time rather than detracting from it.
How do we ensure we are prepared for increasing regulation (such as CSRD) in the area of ESG?
A CSO monitors new legislation closely and prepares the organisation for timely compliance. This sustainability lead ensures all necessary data is collected and processes are adapted, so the business meets increasingly stringent ESG requirements and avoids reputational or financial penalties.
If sustainability is everyone's responsibility, how does a CSO ensure it does not rest with one person but that every department plays its part?
Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and a CSO provides the structure to make that a reality. By setting concrete sustainability targets for each department and holding managers accountable, every part of the business contributes, embedding sustainability across the organisation rather than making it dependent on one individual.
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