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
Head of Corporate Communications / PR (with ESG focus)
15-20 yearsSkills to master
- Deep expertise in media relations, crisis management, and corporate storytelling, specifically around environmental and social issues. Strong relationships with business and sustainability journalists.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed major corporate reputation issues involving ESG factors.
- Led the communication strategy for a significant sustainability initiative or report.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with key media outlets and journalists.
- 2
Marketing Director / VP (with Brand/Purpose remit)
15-20 yearsSkills to master
- Extensive experience in brand strategy, integrated marketing campaigns, and consumer insights, with a clear track record of embedding purpose and sustainability into core brand messaging.
You're ready to move on when
- Developed and launched successful brand campaigns with a strong sustainability component.
- Demonstrated ability to drive brand equity and customer loyalty through purpose-driven marketing.
- Managed large marketing teams and multi-million-pound budgets.
- 3
Sustainability Director / CSO (with strong comms focus)
15-20 yearsSkills to master
- Deep technical knowledge of sustainability science, ESG reporting, and environmental policy, combined with exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills to translate complex data into compelling narratives.
You're ready to move on when
- Led the development and implementation of corporate sustainability strategies.
- Successfully managed ESG reporting and external audits.
- Demonstrated ability to influence internal and external stakeholders on sustainability issues.