Professional services firm EY Canada announced today the appointment of Kent Kaufield to the newly created role of ESG Markets Leader & Chief Sustainability Officer.

Kaufield has been at EY for over 25 years, most recently serving as Managing Partner, Energy, and as a member of EY’s global oil and gas leadership team. In his new role, he will have responsibility for spearheading the Canadian sustainability strategy, while driving client ESG initiatives, helping them to adopt innovations and technologies to create long-term value and realize sustainable growth.

He will also focus internally to develop and drive policies and programs within Canada, including delivering on the firm’s ambition to be carbon negative by the end of 2021 and reduce total emissions by 40% to become net zero in 2025.

EY Canada stated that the new appointment marks the latest step towards helping companies respond to stakeholder expectations by developing comprehensive ESG strategies, identifying emerging opportunities and enhancing disclosures.

Jad Shimaly, EY Canada Chair and Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Having Kent’s knowledge and expertise at the table will be critical to help drive sustainable business strategy, decision-making and stakeholder engagement. We’re excited to take the next step in advancing our commitment to becoming a more sustainable organization by improving environmental performance and driving long-term growth for our stakeholders.”

Kaufield added:

“Organizations are recognizing they have an increasing role to play in delivering meaningful change to combat environmental, social and governance issues. To be true agents of change, you have to walk the talk. At EY, that means actively deploying internal sustainability programs, while building the skills and solutions needed to help businesses do the same. Through thoughtful debate, purposeful action and a prevailing spirit of collaboration, together we can deliver outcomes that future generations can celebrate.”