Standard Chartered has hired a senior climate change specialist to spearhead the bank’s net-zero and sustainability strategy teams.

Kerry Constabile (pictured) has more than 20 years’ experience driving decarbonisation and climate tech investments at global organisations, founding industry coalitions, and developing climate and ESG funds and policies.

Most recently at Google, she led the company’s sustainability strategy and company-wide climate plans including net zero, carbon market and removal strategies.

At Standard Chartered, where she will report to Marisa Drew, chief sustainability officer, Constabile will be responsible for managing key strategic sustainability initiatives, as well as overseeing net-zero target setting and delivery of the bank’s commitments across scope 1, 2 and 3. She will also lead ESG reporting and disclosure.

“I’ve always admired Standard Chartered’s leadership in sustainable finance in emerging markets and its commitment to mobilise $300bn by 2030 for green and transition financing,” explained Constabile.

Her climate finance experience spans banks, pension funds and hedge funds.

For example, before Google, she spent seven years managing climate change and energy initiatives in the UN Secretary-General’s Office. This included Paris Agreement cities and municipal finance strategies, and UN-wide energy programmes and funds. Constabile was also involved in launching the Secretary-General’s first Special Envoy on Climate Finance, the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, Climate Action 100+, the Global Investors for Sustainable Development and the Net Zero Asset Owners Alliance.

“As a globally respected sustainability industry professional with extraordinary expertise across the public and private sectors, Kerry is uniquely positioned to help us achieve our sustainability aspirations,” added Drew.