The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Global Director/VP of EHS & Sustainability
5-10 years at Director/VP levelSkills to master
- Enterprise-wide programme management, board reporting, investor engagement, global team leadership, strategic risk assessment, P&L management for a significant function.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a major global EHS transformation programme across multiple business units.
- Consistently delivered top-tier EHS performance metrics and improved ESG ratings in previous roles.
- Demonstrated ability to influence executive leadership and integrate EHS/ESG into core business strategy.
- Built and led high-performing, geographically dispersed EHS and sustainability teams.
- 2
Head of Corporate Responsibility / ESG
7-12 years in senior ESG/CR rolesSkills to master
- Deep expertise in ESG reporting frameworks, sustainable finance, stakeholder engagement (investors, NGOs), brand reputation management, ethical supply chain practices, strategic communication.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully developed and published comprehensive ESG reports aligned with international standards.
- Significantly improved the company's ESG ratings and attracted sustainable investment.
- Managed complex stakeholder relationships and navigated reputational challenges effectively.
- Demonstrated thought leadership in corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices.
- 3
Senior Environmental Counsel / Head of Regulatory Affairs
10-15 years in environmental law/regulatory affairsSkills to master
- Expertise in global environmental law, regulatory interpretation, litigation management, policy advocacy, compliance programme design, legal risk mitigation, government relations.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully navigated complex international environmental legal challenges and avoided major fines.
- Played a key role in shaping environmental policy or regulatory frameworks.
- Provided strategic legal counsel to executive leadership on major environmental risks and opportunities.
- Developed and implemented robust, legally compliant EHS management systems.