Toronto-based international financial services organization Sun Life Financial announced today the appointment of Alanna Boyd as its first Chief Sustainability Officer.

In her newly created role, Boyd will build on the firm’s economic and ESG commitments to design and lead greater sustainability performance for the company. Sun Life stated that the appointment marks its growing commitment to advancing meaningful contributions to sustainability efforts worldwide.

Kevin Strain, President and CEO, Sun Life, said:

“As a global industry leader, Sun Life has a responsibility and ability to advance meaningful sustainability outcomes and it is a key strategic priority for us. Creating a dedicated Chief Sustainability Officer role is important to me to advance our priorities and I see it as the critical next step in Sun Life’s sustainability commitment.

“Alanna brings a depth of sustainability experience and expertise to help Sun Life continue to embed sustainable practices across our business operations and help drive further actions that create a cleaner, more inclusive, and sustainable future.”

Boyd joined Sun Life in 2016, and has been serving as Vice President, Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs & Sustainability, leading the development of the company’s current sustainability strategy and reporting of the firm’s progress, including the company’s Sustainability Plan launched in 2019. Additionally, Boyd furthered Sun Life’s ESG disclosures in recognition of growing investor interest in and demand for robust reporting on sustainability performance.

Boyd said:

“The world is facing a series of unprecedented challenges – from climate change to the COVID-19 pandemic to growing inequality. Sun Life has a responsibility and opportunity to broaden its sustainability agenda to create a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive economy.

“We have so much more to do, especially as we move toward fulfillment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. I’m excited about these opportunities for Sun Life.”