Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced today a series of senior ESG appointments, including Orlan Boston as Americas ESG Markets Leader, Velislava Ivanova as Americas Chief Sustainability Officer, and Megan Hobson as US Corporate Sustainability Leader.

According to EY US, the new appointments come amidst an accelerating focus on ESG issues arising from a variety of forces including climate change, human capital and social injustice, with attention accelerating even more under the Biden administration.

EY US Chair and Managing Partner and Americas Managing Partner Kelly Grier said:

“Greater demand for ESG insights and perspectives has risen significantly due to the pandemic, natural disasters, social inequity and shifting preferences from institutional investors. As we engage with clients on ESG developments and support them on their sustainability journey, this team will play a critical role in helping to unlock strategic value for a wide range of stakeholders.”

Orlan Boston joined EY in 2012, most recently serving as Senior Advisory and Relationship Partner. Prior to EY US, Boston worked at Deloitte Consulting, including serving as Chief Diversity Officer. In his new role as Americas ESG Markets leader, his responsibilities will include helping companies to develop and drive comprehensive ESG strategies and to identify emerging opportunities in this rapidly evolving market.

Velislava Ivanova has been with EY for nearly six years, serving as Americas Leader Climate Change and Sustainability Services, leading EY’s environmental, health and safety (EHS) and sustainability services in the Americas, and advising clients on the transition to low-carbon, circular and inclusive economy. She has led close to 100 EHS and sustainability engagements, assisting clients from the oil & gas, mining, chemicals, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and retail sectors. Before joining EY, Ivanova held senior positions at sustainability-focused consulting and advisory firms including CH2M HILL and ERM. In her new position, she will advance EY sustainability objectives and initiatives to increase long-term value for clients.

Megan Hobson joined EY more than 25 years ago, most recently serving as EY Americas Administration Leader, responsible for the US firm’s Investment and Treasury operations as well as the Administrative and Workplace Services functions. She is a member of the Board of Directors for EY’s captive insurance company and EY Global Finance and serves as the Chairman of the US firm’s Retirement Investment Committee. Additionally, she is an advocate for disability inclusion, serving on the board for Disability:IN, a national non-profit committed to expanding opportunities in the workplace for people with disabilities, and as the Executive Sponsor of EY’s AccessAbilities professional network. As US Corporate Sustainability Leader, Hobson will be responsible for leading EY US internal environmental and operational business commitments.

Sam Johnson, EY Americas Vice Chair, Accounts, said:

“Having a strong ESG strategy can help create more inclusive economies and establish sustainability as the norm. C-suite and board leaders are recognizing their responsibility and seizing the opportunity to unlock ESG value to build long-term competitive advantage, enhance resiliency to accelerating sustainability risks and attract the increasingly socially conscious investors, talent and customers their organizations seek.”

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