Today, the role has broadened to encompass all business areas and has a much more proactive agenda. “Sustainability is increasingly seen as a source of competitive advantage and risk mitigation. For example, where previously a manufacturing company might look at its supply chain and sourcing policies as part of its sustainable practices, the role of the CSO now looks at all areas of the business,” she adds.
The chief sustainability officer (CSO) role is relatively new, having entered the mainstream only about five to 10 years ago, says executive director at global leadership advisory Russell Reynolds Associates’ Michelle Chan Crouse.
During the early years, the role was more reactive, where the officer would manage issues through a public relations and brand reputation lens, Chan Crouse tells The Edge Singapore. “It was a mid-level role, where the responsibility sat under the auspices of marketing or corporate affairs, and had minimal integration with business strategy.”
