US regional bank Huntington National Bank announced today the creation of new senior climate and environmental sustainability-focused positions, with the appointment of George Gonczar as Climate Risk Director and Rebecca Karason as Environmental Strategy & Sustainability Director. The company stated that the new appointments reflect an increased focus on climate and environmental-related efforts.

In his expanded role, Gonczar, who already leads Huntington’s Global Risk Assessment Group, will oversee the development and implementation of a climate risk assessment, governance, and reporting infrastructure framework to identify climate change risk and implement mitigation strategies. Gonczar will also lead the process to integrate climate-related insights into the company’s decision-making and help clients achieve their climate objectives.

Karason joined Huntington in 2017 and has been serving as the bank’s Energy Sustainability Director. As Environmental Strategy & Sustainability Director, she will be responsible for overseeing all environmental and climate strategies, including the development of Huntington’s carbon roadmap.

Over the next year, the company stated that it will evaluate the carbon footprint of its acquired assets from the acquisition of TCF Financial Corporation and determine how to integrate them into legacy Huntington’s carbon footprint.

Steve Steinour, Huntington Chairman, President, and CEO, said:

“George and Rebecca bring significant expertise, leadership and vision at a critical time in the global imperative to address the challenges of climate change. In reviewing our own environmental performance, we see an opportunity to play a larger role to be a catalyst for progress on environmental sustainability. As a growing bank dedicated to supporting people, businesses and communities throughout our expanded footprint, we recognize the responsibility we have to work together to build a more sustainable world.”