BDO hires sustainability and ESG experts to advise businesses and drive its own Net-Zero transition

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO is making further investments in Sustainability, today announcing the hires of multiple Sustainability and ESG experts.  

To help businesses better understand and navigate the complex landscape of sustainability and ESG, BDO has launched a Sustainability and ESG Hub, led by Professor Simon Pringle. An Honorary Professor of Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh Business School, Simon specialises in the alignment of commercial strategy with sustainability, risk and reputation.  

Housed in BDO’s Advisory arm, Simon is supported by Dr. Tauni Lanier and Tim House to lead BDO’s Sustainability and ESG offering. Tauni specialises in sustainable finance and development, having served as a non-executive director of Carbon Tracker and executive director of IMPACT2030. Tim is COO of BDO’s Sustainability and ESG Advisory Hub, having previously been Global Partner for Sustainability at Internal Consulting Group and having served as a member of the United Nations.  

To deliver BDO’s sustainability and ESG commitments, including its recently published Transition to Net-Zero roadmap, the firm has also hired Claire Snowdon. Over a 20 year career in the UK, US and North Africa, Claire has worked for some of the world's most recognised brands, guiding senior leadership on environmental resilience, supply chain management, tax transparency, sustainability communications and reporting on climate-related financial risk. Claire joins BDO from Matalan, having previously worked with Deloitte. 

Professor Simon Pringle said: 

“Boardrooms across the UK continue to grapple with how to embed sustainability into the culture and commercial strategy of their organisations. Boards and business owners need people around them who understand each specialist issue and know how it applies to the reality of running a business and dealing with the complex challenges that form the backdrop to the world we share.  

“That’s why we’re building our BDO Sustainability and ESG Hub. We will bring together specialist capabilities in a considered way. Our hires are, and will be, real specialists as part of a genuine centre of excellence to advise businesses on complex matters like green finance, sustainable development, circular economy, or the development of the hydrogen economy. And they’ll supportively upskill others in the firm as we go.”  

Commenting on the Sustainability and ESG Hub, Matthew White, Senior Partner and Co-chair of BDO’s Sustainability and ESG Board, said: 

“Tackling sustainability is obvious and urgent in concept but complex and long-term in practice. Like many businesses, our own approach to Sustainability and ESG will be a ‘work in progress’ for some time – but the important word is ‘progress’. The arrival of Claire Snowdon and Simon Pringle is an important moment for us, and for our collective impact on helping the business world and society succeed in addressing environmental and social agendas.” 

More about BDO’s new Sustainability and ESG Advisory Hub  

Professor Simon Pringle 

Simon is an Associate Fellow of Chatham House and has been an Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh Business School and professor at the University of Chester. Simon’s vast experience also includes board positions for a number of PLCs, Leeds City Region LEP and various not-for-profits. 

Dr Tauni Lanier 

Tauni is a recognised expert in sustainable finance and sustainable development. She has a PhD in Environmental Economics from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Tauni has served as a non-executive director of Carbon Tracker and held the post of Executive Director of IMPACT2030, the only private sector-led initiative with the United Nations. 

Tim House 

Tim House was appointed as COO of BDO’s Sustainability and ESG Advisory practice in September 2022, having previously been Global Partner for Sustainability at Internal Consulting Group. He has served as a member of the United Nations, having undertaken multiple peace building programmes and projects around the world. 

More about BDO’s own Transition to Net-Zero and its progress across E, S and G topics is available on the firm’s website.  

ENDS 

Note to editors 

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP provides integrated advice and solutions to help businesses navigate a changing world.  

The organisations we work with are Britain’s economic engine –entrepreneurially-spirited, high-growth businesses that fuel the economy.   

We understand the ambitions and entrepreneurial mindset of those we work with and have the global reach, integrity and expertise to help people and businesses succeed.   

BDO LLP 
BDO LLP operates in 17 offices across the UK, employing 7,500 people offering tax, audit and assurance, and a range of advisory services. BDO LLP is the UK member firm of the BDO international network. 

BDO’s global network 
The BDO global network provides business advisory services in 164 countries and territories, with 111,300 people working out of 1,803 offices worldwide. It has revenues of US$12.8bn.   

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Email: Kohby.poole@bdo.co.uk 
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