As environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks dominate corporate agendas, new hire cements Flag’s role in developing sustainability strategies to drive impact.

• 71% of C-suite and functional leaders anticipate the growing significance of ESG in corporate performance.
• However, just 38% of business leaders say they have embedded environmental sustainability into their decision-making processes.
• “With concern for the planet increasing across all stakeholders and extensive ESG regulation on the horizon, businesses need to integrate sustainability into absolutely everything they do.” – Victoria Taylor, Flag CEO

Flag announces the appointment of Steve Fish in the new role of head of sustainability strategy. Steve will focus on helping boards and senior executives go beyond compliance and seize opportunities by integrating sustainability into their business operations.

With the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and evolving global-, national- and state-level policies putting pressure on boards, executives are seeking expertise and efficiency in supporting compliance and maximising opportunities from sustainable practice.

A recent study from Thomson Reuters found that 71% of C-suite and functional leaders anticipate the growing significance of ESG in corporate performance. However, just 38% of business leaders say they have embedded environmental sustainability into their decision-making processes, according to Gartner.

Flag’s unique offering positions it as trusted partner for organisations seeking expert counsel on sustainability across their operations and communications – from defining sustainability and business strategy, to meeting complex reporting and regulatory requirements, to confidently communicating stories through meaningful internal and external engagement campaigns.

As head of sustainability strategy, Steve Fish adds decades of corporate and consultancy experience to Flag’s long heritage of sustainability expertise. Notably, Steve served as executive director at Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR) – known for issuing North America’s first-ever corporate social responsibility (CSR) guidelines – and led corporate social responsibility for Aurora Cannabis, defining best practice sustainability strategy in this newly regulated industry.

His deep expertise and creativity have seen him deliver impact across sectors. From consumer goods and financial services to natural resources and information technology, his strategic counsel has helped leaders navigate consumer expectations and evolving regulations to drive positive business and sustainability outcomes.

Victoria Taylor, CEO of Flag, said:

“Sustainability has never been as high up on corporate, consumer and political agendas as it is today. With concern for the planet increasing across all stakeholders and extensive ESG regulation on the horizon, businesses need to integrate sustainability into absolutely everything they do – navigating risks while seizing the many opportunities.

“With his experience as a trusted adviser to senior executives – and of being one himself – Steve’s addition to our team of sustainability experts represents a significant step as Flag expands its sustainability strategy services.”

Steve Fish, Head of Sustainability Strategy at Flag, said:

“I’m honoured to join the experts at Flag in helping clients develop long-term sustainability strategies that align with their business goals. Flag’s holistic approach, combining strategic consultancy with deep expertise in reporting and communications, provides the critical support companies need right now. I look forward to helping organisations embed sustainability into their commercial strategies – solving real-world challenges while creating exciting new opportunities for growth and impact.”