Recruiter’s perspective

Senior ESG and sustainability leaders are facing a period of uncertainty. In the past 18months, hiring volumes have fallen by more than 20% across some major financial institutions, and internal restructuring has reduced the number of specialist ESG roles. According to Neil Farrell of Farrell Associates, most leading asset managers have lost between two and three senior ESG professionals in the last two years, often to consultancy or advisory work. The primary reasons have been limited internal support and a reduction in high-value strategic projects.

Despite this slow down, London recorded a 231% year-on-year increase in ESG vacancies during the first quarter of 2025 compared with early 2024. This sharp rise suggests the current quiet period may be temporary, pointing to a likely rebound in recruitment activity in the coming quarters.

Sustainability is central to business

Sustainability is now a core business function. A 2024 PwC survey found that 76% of executives believe ESG considerations have a direct impact on long-term profitability. ESG teams now influence finance, operations, procurement, and risk management. In over60% of FTSE 100 companies, sustainability leaders sit on executive committees, contributing directly to corporate strategy rather than being confined to communications departments.

Why this matters now and will endure

Macroeconomic instability, tightening regulation, and global political shifts are pushing companies to treat sustainability as a risk mitigation tool. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which came into effect in 2024, is set to affect over 50,000 companies, embedding sustainability reporting into governance processes. Additionally, due diligence legislation is increasing operational transparency requirements, making ESG compliance an ongoing strategic priority rather than a short-term initiative.

Three clear steps to take now

1. Make every department accountable for measurable ESG targets.
2. Link sustainability goals directly to financial metrics such as cost efficiency, revenue growth, and risk reduction.
3. Implement a company-wide reporting framework with standardised and publicly available performance indicators.

Sustainability has moved from optional to essential. Organisations that integrate ESG into all operational areas, measure progress with precision, and hold leadership accountable are likely to outperform peers in resilience, investor trust, and long-term market positioning.

Despite recent market uncertainty, Ellwood Atfield is actively recruiting for over 50 roles across sustainability, communications, and public affairs. We're also engaging with top-tier talent, indicating a positive outlook as we approach year-end. If you're facing challenges in hiring or retaining talent, feel free to contact us.

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