Global cloud enterprise software company IFS has announced it's appointing Sophie Graham as the new global Chief Sustainability Officer, a position signalling the firm's ongoing commitment to sustainability and its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda.
In her role within IFS, Graham will oversee the execution of IFS's strategy, working closely with the Executive Leadership Team to accelerate sustainability measures across the company's worldwide operations. From 2021, Graham has played a leading role within IFS's sustainability and ESG functions, successfully defining and implementing the company's multi-year strategy.
The role of Chief Sustainability Officer has accelerated in importance due to new regulations, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which will have a broad impact on companies listed on EU-regulated markets beginning from 2024. Graham's role will also involve maintaining strong internal performance within IFS and integrating sustainability capabilities into IFS Cloud.
IFS CEO, Mark Moffat, expressed his optimism regarding Graham's appointment: "IFS is at an incredibly important juncture on ESG and, much like our customers, we are focused on accelerating the results that will have the impact we all look for." Moffat further conveyed the strategic prioritisation of sustainability at IFS, stating that the company aims to "work hand in hand with our customers, sharing our knowledge, experiences and taking their input into our products."
Sophie Graham also commented on her appointment: "I am a true believer in the potential that the technology sector has to drive change across different industries, providing the 'how' roadmap in the transition to a low carbon, more sustainable future. IFS has a clear sense of purpose, and I am very excited to continue building on the robust strategy we already have in place to drive even more lasting impact, across our team, customers, and partners."
In her professional career, Graham, who has a background in environmental law, has worked across EMEIA, Americas, and the UK in the technology and finance sectors. Her prior roles include leading sustainability reporting at Santander UK, setting up an international charity partnership with the Red Cross in the US, and leading an ESG strategy across seven countries in the Americas.
In related news, Stephen Keys, the former Chief Talent & Sustainability Officer at IFS, has transitioned to a new leadership role as Chief Talent Officer and continues to serve as Chair of the IFS Foundation. IFS’s sustainability strategy revolves around three key pillars: operational excellence, customer support, and wider community impact. The company also consistently maintains transparency through annual ESG disclosures, including an IFS Sustainability report and an ESG Fact Sheet.