Ian is Associate Director at Corporate Citizenship.
I started working in sustainability before anyone knew what it would fully mean. For me it was always the promise of working at the forefront of issues and their interaction. Sorting out the way environmental, social and economic issues played out for businesses was what got me up in the morning! And of course this discovery is not over yet. I still get that real buzz from seeing how small changes can make a real difference to my clients and eventually how they can become the new norm. This first began in my early career in environmental design, but I soon realised that what I was laying out on the ground could be made even better by interventions further back in the decision and value chains.
It’s now over 15 years since I moved into sustainability for businesses. I remember my first client. They were only testing the water at the beginning of their sustainability journey. Today they’re recognised by FTSE4good/ DJSI as leaders in their sector and I find it incredibly rewarding to see their progress. It’s not just inside companies that have progressed. I remember clearly how doubtful clients used to be when I first discussed climate change. It wasn’t always easy, but I do look back with pride on the break-through moments and how they can come from the strangest of places – even finance departments! An important part of my job is still making sure that the new opportunities are taken just as seriously despite the increased complexity all around. There’s a lot more to do still, so I’d better get on with it…
Specific sector knowlege: Food & drink, transport, pharmaceuticals, financial services, hospitality
Clients have included: GSK, H&M, Marine harvest, AB InBev, ING, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Maersk Group, Novo Nordisk, General Motors
Call Ian to talk about: Adding value to your business through sustainability.