With many organisations still cautious about hiring and ESG candidates reporting a slowdown in full-time opportunities, it’s a good moment to reflect on what boards are truly looking for as they prepare for 2025.
The ESG function is undergoing a quiet transformation. It’s no longer seen as a reporting role or compliance necessity — boards are increasingly expecting ESG leaders to help steer corporate strategy, not just measure it. But as the market becomes saturated with CVs showcasing frameworks and reporting standards, a disconnect is emerging.
What Boards Are Prioritising:
- Business integration
ESG professionals are expected to connect sustainability with business outcomes — from enterprise risk to long-term growth. - Strategic foresight
The best ESG leaders now advise on forward-looking risk — including climate resilience, social impact, and regulation. - Cross-functional leadership
According to McKinsey, effective ESG teams are embedded across departments — enabling integrated performance. - C-suite engagement
ESG professionals are no longer back-office specialists — they are expected to challenge and inform senior decision-making.
Final Thought:
ESG leaders who combine technical expertise with commercial fluency and board-level influence will be best positioned for opportunities as hiring regains momentum later in 2025.
Looking to connect with organisations seeking ESG leaders like you?
Explore current opportunities or register your CV today at www.esgrec.com.
References:
- Harvard Business Review – Why ESG Needs to Be Part of Every Executive’s Job
https://hbr.org/2023/03/why-esg-needs-to-be-part-of-every-executives-job - World Economic Forum – Global Risks Report 2024
https://www.weforum.org/reports/global-risks-report-2024 - McKinsey & Co. – The ESG Imperative
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability/our-insights/the-esg-imperative
