This growth underscores the need for the visionary leadership exemplified by this year’s awardees, who bring deep expertise in digital transformation, strategic growth, and risk management. By helping organizations develop innovative products, embrace new business models, and navigate evolving workforce dynamics, these leaders are shaping the future of the insurance industry and ensuring long-term success for their clients.

Among this year’s awardees, Ronald Engel, Partner at Arthur D. Little, stands out for his deep expertise in converging insurance-related projects with other industries to create innovative solutions that drive value across sectors. Chris Raimondo, Partner at EY, is recognized for his leadership in transforming core business operations for major insurance carriers through technology. Wendy Shapps, Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting, is noted for her deep expertise in forensic accounting and fraud investigations, playing a crucial role in resolving complex disputes within the insurance industry.

This year’s awardees were selected through a methodical nomination process and careful consideration of each candidate’s career track record and industry contributions. Please join us in celebrating The Top 25 Insurance Consultants and Leaders of 2024.

1. Alissa Ristic
Firm: KPMG
Title: Managing Director

Alissa Ristic is a Managing Director in KPMG’s Customer and Operations practice with almost 20 years of consulting and insurance industry experience across the value chain, including claims, underwriting, insurance product, and broking. She also has an extensive background serving in senior leadership roles within insurtechs. 

Ristic has worked in both the US and UK insurance markets driving digital transformation, enhancing carrier speed to market across multichannel distribution models, and customer and operational excellence. She currently leads KPMG’s Digital Insurance practice, where her focus is providing insurance clients with more personalized, convenient, and cost-effective services by using digital technologies to make improvements to process, products, and services.

Ristic holds a master’s degree in risk management and insurance, is a Chartered Insurance Broker, and an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute. She was recognized as a Top 25 Insurance Consultant and Leader in 2023 by The Consulting Report as well as a Top 50 Women Leader of Boston by Women We Admire. She also takes part in the KPMG Executive Leadership Institute for Women and provides mentorship to female talent developing their careers.

2. Chris Raimondo
Firm: EY
Title: Partner

Chris Raimondo is a Partner in the Ernst and Young LLP Insurance sector and currently serves as the Americas Insurance Consulting Leader. In his role, he leads the overall portfolio of solutions and capabilities EY provides to its insurance clients, consisting of business, technology, risk and actuarial, and people consulting. He has more than 20 years of global experience in the insurance industry, with a focus on transforming core business operations through the implementation of technology. 

Chris has a strong track record of building high-performing, diverse teams and delivering complex transformation programs at major domestic and international property, casualty, life, and annuity insurance carriers. Prior to his current role, Chris led technology consulting for the EY Insurance sector. 

Chris was also a founding member of the EY Guidewire Alliance practice and served in leadership roles in the EY finance and property and casualty businesses in the insurance sector. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and entrepreneurship from the Miami University of Ohio and a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul University.

3. Ram Menon
Firm: KPMG
Title: Partner

Ram Menon is a Partner at KPMG LLP, the US member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited. Menon serves as a global advisor to C-level executives and senior management teams in the global insurance industry, providing M&A, strategy, corporate development, and divestiture related advisory services from strategy through to execution for global insurance industry clients. 

With over 30 years of global experience at KPMG’s financial services industry practices in leading financial centers worldwide, including New York, London, Singapore, and Dubai, Menon serves as the Head of KPMG’s Global Insurance Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures practice, where he built a global franchise, leading cross-functional teams of industry professionals across North America, Europe and Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. 

Menon is focused on KPMG’s priority clients in the global insurance sector, aiming to drive sustainable profitable growth as part of KPMG's global growth strategy. His responsibilities span across KPMG’s cross-functional advisory, tax, and audit businesses, with a focus on expanding KPMG’s industry-wide network of relationships and enhancing overall client experience and brand awareness. 

Menon serves on the Business Advisory Board for St. John’s University Board of Overseers at the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science. He is also a frequent speaker at KPMG-sponsored industry events and conferences, focusing on insurance M&A, strategy, cross-border investments, and global and regional economic trends. Menon is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant and holds a bachelor of commerce in finance and accounting from the University of Bombay.

4. Christian Kinder
Firm: Bain and Company
Title: Partner

Christian Kinder leads Bain and Company’s insurance practice group across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. With over 25 years of experience in management consulting, he advises clients on various aspects of their business, focusing on strategies at both the group and business unit level. His consulting expertise includes digitalization and artificial intelligence, customer and distribution strategies, and growth initiatives. 

Kinder also guides clients through organizational development, claims management, and performance improvement projects. Kinder has been with Bain since 1999 and holds a degree in business mathematics and a doctorate in finance and baking from the University of Augsburg.

5. Cindy De Armond
Firm: Accenture
Title: Managing Director

Cindy De Armond is the Managing Director of Accenture, a leading global professional services firm that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments, and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth, and enhance citizen services. With a presence in more than 120 countries, the firm focuses on innovation and talent to deliver value across various sectors.

6. John Szymczyk
Firm: Deloitte
Title: Managing Director

John Szymczyk is a Managing Director in Deloitte’s Audit practice, with over 17 years of experience primarily serving insurance and reinsurance clients. His clients have included public and private entities within the property and casualty, life and health, and captive and reinsurance industries. He has extensive experience in US GAAP, IFRS, SEC, and US statutory accounting and regulations, and has served some of the firm’s largest global insurance and reinsurance clients.

7. Fritz Nauck
Firm: McKinsey & Company
Title: Senior Partner

Fritz Nauck is a Senior Partner at McKinsey and Company, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. McKinsey and Company is a global management consulting firm that advises leading businesses, governments, and institutions across the private, public and social sectors.

8. Robert Glasser
Firm: Berkeley Research Group
Title: Managing Director

Robert Glasser is a Managing Director in BRG Consulting’s Business Insurance Claims practice and is based in New York and Denver. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified in Financial Forensics, a Certified Insolvency and Reorganization Accountant, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. With over 40 years of diverse experience, he has specialized in economic management, insurance claims, accounting, and forensic fraud investigation experience at public and private companies.

Mr. Glasser helps insured businesses prepare and substantiate business interruption and property damage claims resulting from physical damage due to hurricanes and other perils. His experience spans a range of industries, including hospitality, real estate, manufacturing, retail, and service organizations. He has led several product recall claims involving domestic and international operations and leads domestic and international forensic fraud investigations involving alleged acts of employee dishonesty, embezzlement, and corruption involving the preparation of claims with insurance coverage. 

Previously, Mr. Glasser was a Managing Director at FTI Consulting in the Business Insurance Claims practice, helping clients with insurance claims, litigation support, and various loss quantification matters. He was also previously East Coast Regional Director of Aon Risk Solutions’ Property Claims Preparation, Advocacy, and Valuation Group, where he led the firm’s US East Coast Insurance Claims practice. Prior to Aon, Mr. Glasser was a Partner in Dempsey Partners’ New York office, where he led the firm’s US East Coast Property and Business Interruption Claims practice. 

Prior to Dempsey Partners, Mr. Glasser was with BDO Consulting, where he led the firm’s Insurance Claim Services practice and performed numerous forensic fraud investigations. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of an international telecommunications firm, as well as Chief Financial Officer of a product manufacturer and distribution company. He holds an MBA in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut. 

9. Chris Morbelli
Firm: EY
Title: Principal

Chris Morbelli is a Principal in the Insurance Consulting practice at Ernst and Young LLP, where he leads EY’s Americas Life and Group Transformation solution. He advises clients on business growth strategies, operating model design, customer experience design, and platform implementations. His clients include many of the leading life, annuity, and group benefits carriers.

In this role, Chris has guided his clients through successful end-to-end digital transformations in the life, annuities, and employee benefits sectors, focusing on new business, administration, and claims. These programs have resulted in a differentiated customer experience and business growth, while also driving sustainable operational expense reductions.

Prior to joining EY, Chris spent 20 years in the insurance industry, most recently serving as the Vice President of Strategy and Operations Transformation for a leading global life insurance company. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from SUNY Binghamton and an MBA in finance from Rutgers University.

10. Martin Spit
Firm: EY-Parthenon
Title: Principal

Martin Spit is a Principal at EY-Parthenon, a global firm that leverages data and technology to support clients in over 150 countries. As the Americas Insurance Sector Leader for EY’s Strategy and Transactions practice, Spit advises clients on all issues relating to organic growth strategy and inorganic acquisitions and divestitures. He also has deep experience in organizational structuring and operational integration and separation. 

Previously, Spit was a Managing Director at Accenture and before that a Principal at The Boston Consulting Group. Earlier in his career he worked with Ernst and Young Consulting as a Manager. Spit holds an MBA from INSEAD and a master’s degree in computer science from Twente University in the Netherlands.

11. Mathew Tierney
Firm: Grant Thornton
Title: Global Insurance Practice Leader

Mathew Tierney is the Global Insurance Practice leader for Grant Thornton. Tierney maintains offices in both New York City and Philadelphia and also serves on Grant Thornton’s Partnership Board as well as on the Global Business Consulting Leadership team for Grant Thornton International Ltd. Tierney oversees the firm’s go-to-market strategy for the insurance industry, which includes creating industry-centric solutions, establishing service delivery teams, and ensuring quality execution for the firm’s global accounts. 

Previously, Tierney was a Senior Manager at Smart Business Advisory and Consulting. Earlier in his career he worked with Sungard Data Systems as a Staff Tax Accountant. Tierney holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Widener University and completed Harvard Business School’s Executive Leadership Program.

12. Kannan Amaresh
Firm: Infosys
Title: Senior Vice President and Global Head, Insurance

Kannan Amaresh is the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Insurance at Infosys, a global digital services and consulting firm that helps clients in more than 50 countries navigate digital transformation. Amaresh has over 25 years of professional experience across the US, Canada, UK, Europe, and India. He is a key member of the Senior Executive Leadership and Management Council at Infosys.

13. Sivakumar Deivacikamani
Firm: Cognizant
Title: Vice President

Sivakumar Deivacikamani (Siva) is a Delivery, Technology, and Innovation Head of Insurance at Cognizant. With over 24 years of experience in the insurance industry, Siva has supported more than 100 insurance clients in addressing significant business and technology challenges, including risk and regulatory compliance, product and portfolio rationalization, underwriting and claims modernization, and agent and customer experience programs.

Siva began his career at TCS, where he specialized in systems, business operations, infrastructure, and outsourcing R&D services globally. He has held various roles in sales, delivery, and solutions, and has worked closely with the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem. Siva holds a degree in electronics and instrumentation engineering from Annamalai University and has completed programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

14. Sarat Varanasi
Firm: Cognizant
Title: Insurance Americas Business Unit Leader

Sarat Varanasi is the Insurance Americas Business Unit Leader at Cognizant. Varanasi is a results-driven and visionary senior executive leader with over 25 years of progressive experience in the financial services industry. Adept at driving strategic business growth, executing digital transformation, and delivering exceptional results, he has a proven track record of building high-performance teams, turning around struggling units, and adapting to dynamic business environments. 

Before joining Cognizant, Varanasi was a Chief Solutions Delivery Officer at Drivestream and before that a Program Manager at Oracle. Earlier in his career he worked with Sathguru Management Consultants as a Senior Consultant. Varanasi graduated from Osmania University with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.

15. Matt Edwards
Firm: Slalom
Title: Senior Director

Matt Edwards is a Senior Director at Slalom, a global business and technology consulting company. In his role, he has been instrumental in establishing and growing Slalom's Global Insurance Industry practice, which focuses on guiding clients through strategic transformation and modernization, including designing modern insurance products, defining the business value of AI in underwriting and claims, creating integrated technology ecosystems, and transforming data infrastructure to provide greater insights to make business decisions.

In addition to helping Slalom's global insurance clients transform, Matt has been involved in crafting a number of thought articles on insurance topics, which include hurdles facing the reinsurance industry, cloud migration, predictive modeling in specialty insurance, and digital transformation. He has also participated in panel discussions on emerging topics impacting the industry. Matt also works closely with Slalom's large partner network to co-develop industry-focused solutions that leverage partner platforms, accelerating value creation for Slalom's clients.

Prior to Slalom, Matt spent more than a decade with Safeco and Liberty Mutual in a number of different roles within claims, service, FP&A, P&C operations, and finance and product management. He holds an undergraduate degree in history from Indiana University Bloomington.

16. Jeannette Mitchell
Firm: PwC
Title: Partner

Jeannette Mitchell is a Partner at PwC, a network of firms operating in 151 countries with over 360,000 professionals delivering assurance, advisory, and tax services. Mitchell led PwC’s Insurance Trust Solutions practice. With over 25 years of experience, she oversees the delivery of assurance and tax services in the life, annuity, property and casualty, and health sectors.

17. Daren Rudd
Firm: CGI
Title: Vice President

Daren Rudd is Vice President in CGI’s UK Insurance business and leads the business, technology, and innovation consulting team. His team, composed of industry, product, and technology experts, advises on insurance digital business and technology strategy, insurance industry and technology insights, future operating model and architecture design, and human-centered innovation and design.

18. Nate Seacrist
Firm: RSM US
Title: Partner

Nate Seacrist is a Partner at RSM US, a provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services to the middle market. With over 17,000 professionals across the US and Canada and a global presence in 120 countries, RSM is committed to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of its clients, colleagues, and communities.

19. Michael Pisano
Firm: Protiviti
Title: Managing Director

Michael Pisano is a Managing Director in Protiviti’s National Financial Services practice and is Protiviti’s Insurance Industry Internal Audit leader. Protiviti is a global consulting firm that provides clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, digital, legal, HR, risk, and internal audit through a network of more than 90 offices in over 25 countries.

20. James McDermott
Firm: Alvarez and Marsal
Title: Managing Director

James McDermott is a Managing Director and Leader with Alvarez and Marsal’s Insurance and Risk Advisory Services practice in New York. McDermott specializes in business turnaround, crisis management, financial restructuring, and capital markets transactions. He is recognized for providing strategic, financial, operational and risk management advice throughout the insurance sector.

21. Wendy Shapss
Firm: FTI Consulting
Title: Senior Managing Director

Wendy Shapss is a Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting and is based in New York. FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm that helps organizations manage change, mitigate risk, and resolve disputes across financial, legal, operational, political and regulatory, and reputational and transactional areas. With over 8,000 employees across 33 countries and territories, FTI Consulting professionals assist clients in navigating complex business challenges.

22. Heather Gagnon
Firm: Crowe
Title: Managing Director

Heather Gagnon is a Managing Director in the consulting group at Crowe, a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm that provides audit services to public and private entities. Gagnon specializes in insurance consulting services and internal process, risk, and control assessments.

23. Gaurav Garg
Firm: Oliver Wyman
Title: Partner

Gaurav Garg is a Partner and Global Head of P&C Insurance at Oliver Wyman, a business of Marsh McLennan. Oliver Wyman is a management consulting firm that combines industry knowledge with specialized expertise to help clients optimize their business, improve operations, and accelerate performance. Garg brings extensive global industry experience to his role, advising large multinational corporations as well as emerging insurtechs to provide strategic guidance at various phases of growth and development.

24. Will Davies
Firm: PA Consulting
Title: Partner

Will Davies is a Partner at PA Consulting, a professional services firm that works with public, private, and third-sector organizations. With over 20 years of experience across the finance services and insurance industries, Davies helps clients address significant challenges, including enhancing customer experience, driving digital, data, and cloud transformation, cost reduction, and delivering new risk and regulatory compliance and change programs.

25. Ronald Engel
Firm: Arthur D. Little
Title: Partner

Ronald Engel is a Partner and a member of Arthur D. Little’s global Financial Services practice. Based in Munich, he works closely with teams on insurance-related projects, often in convergence with other practices, helping to create new value at the interface of industries. Arthur D. Little is a management consultancy that links strategy, innovation, and technology to drive success for its clients.

The report underscores critical issues such as the impact of understaffed security teams, which faced 26% higher breach costs, and the effectiveness of AI-powered security measures. Organizations extensively using AI in security operations saw an average cost reduction of $2.2 million per breach. Data visibility gaps remain a major concern, with breaches involving data across multiple environments averaging over $5 million in costs. The report also notes a notable increase in intellectual property theft and the role of law enforcement in reducing breach costs. IBM's findings emphasize the need for enhanced security measures and investment in advanced technologies to mitigate future breaches.

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Key findings of the study include a predominant reliance on training and ethical review committees to enforce AI governance, with 76% of organizations conducting AI ethics training for employees and 63% for board members. Balancing innovation with regulation and ensuring transparency in data use are top priorities for respondents. Additionally, the study reveals that AI is expected to significantly benefit operational areas such as supply chain management and employee retention. Kwasi Mitchell, Deloitte's Chief Purpose and DEI Officer, emphasized that effective governance frameworks are essential for driving positive impacts and maintaining trust in AI technologies.

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Each Greener Store features sustainable elements ranging from solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems to high-efficiency appliances and low-emission materials. These initiatives have already led to substantial operational savings, with US Greener Stores alone saving Starbucks nearly $60 million annually. The company also launched its inaugural global Greener Stores of the Year program, recognizing stores that excel in innovation and environmental impact. Starbucks remains committed to expanding its Greener Stores initiative, aiming to inspire more sustainable practices across its global footprint.

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From advising on M&A and restructuring within the travel sector to leading technology-driven transformations in hospitality operations, these leaders play a crucial role in optimizing revenue management, enhancing guest experiences, and navigating the complex regulatory landscapes of global tourism. Their work impacts millions of travelers each year, making travel safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable for people around the world.

Among this year’s awardees, Jim Miller, Partner at Arthur D. Little, is recognized for his 35 years of expertise in guiding airports, airlines, and other key players in the travel, transportation, and hospitality industry through complex financial transactions and strategic planning. Gonzalo Fortuny, Partner at EY, is noted for his leadership in driving digital transformation across global hotel chains, leveraging AI and advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences. Teresa Long, Industry Leader for Retail, Leisure, and Hospitality at Willis Towers Watson, is celebrated for her strategic approach and innovative solutions in risk management.

This year’s awardees were selected through a methodical evaluation process and thorough consideration of each candidate’s career track record and industry contributions. Please join us in celebrating The Top 25 Travel and Hospitality Consultants and Leaders of 2024.

1. Vik Krishnan
Firm: McKinsey and Company
Title: Senior Partner

Vik Krishnan is a Senior Partner at McKinsey and Company, a global management consulting firm serving as a trusted advisor to the world's leading businesses, governments, and institutions. With over 20 years of consulting experience across multiple functional areas in travel, logistics, and infrastructure, Krishnan advises organizations on designing networks, improving pricing sophistication, driving better on-time performance, and scheduling crews efficiently.

Previously, Krishnan was a Partner and Global Aviation Sector Lead at Oliver Wyman. Krishnan holds an MBA in operations, information management, and strategic management from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an undergraduate degree in economics from Dartmouth College.

2. Emily Weiss
Firm: Accenture
Title: Senior Managing Director, Global Travel Industry Lead

Emily Weiss is the Senior Managing Director and Global Travel Industry Lead at Accenture, a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize operations, accelerate revenue growth, and enhance citizen services.

3. Jon van der Veen
Firm: Bain and Company
Title: Partner

Jon van der Veen is a member of Bain and Company’s Retail and M&A and Divestiture practices, and also leads the firm’s Travel and Leisure sector in the Americas. Bain and Company is a global consultancy that collaborates with clients across 65 cities in 40 countries to achieve results, gain a competitive edge, and drive industry change.

4. Andreas Scriven
Firm: Deloitte UK
Title: Partner

Andreas Scriven is a Partner and Head of Hospitality and Leisure for Deloitte UK and Deloitte North South Europe. Based in London, Scriven has extensive consultancy and M&A experience across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA. He plays a key role in shaping the Hospitality and Leisure agenda as a member of both the UK Travel, Hospitality, and Services Executive and the Consumer NSE Executive, while also collaborating with Deloitte’s global network.

5. Caroline Lombardi
Firm: Egon Zehnder
Title: Global Head of Hospitality, Travel and Leisure

Caroline Lombardi is the Global Head of Hospitality, Travel, and Leisure for Egon Zehnder. Her work spans executive search, board search, and leadership advisory. Lombardi has particular expertise in CEO, customer experience, commercial, and operational roles. A trusted advisor for founders, high-growth startups, and Fortune 50 companies, she is known for building strong relationships with her clients and candidates. Lombardi’s ability to deeply understand her clients and candidates enables her to identify the best matches for long-term success.

As a former hospitality operator, Lombardi knows the challenges her clients face and brings a pragmatic approach to talent advisory. She believes that placing the right leader in the right role can have a significant impact on the company, the industry, and the broader economy. Before joining Egon Zehnder, Lombardi held executive roles with Carnival Cruise Line, Toys “R” Us, MGM Home Entertainment, Arthur Andersen, and several startups. Lombardi holds a BBA in marketing and finance from the University of Miami and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

6. Gonzalo Fortuny
Firm: EY
Title: Partner

Gonzalo Fortuny is a Partner at EY Technology Consulting, with a specialization in the hospitality sector. His focus on digital transformation and artificial intelligence has helped several hotel chains advance their technological capabilities. EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services, aiming to foster trust and confidence in capital markets and economies worldwide.

7. Mike Cremin
Firm: Alvarez and Marsal
Title: Managing Director

Mike Cremin is a Managing Director with Alvarez & Marsal’s Corporate Performance Improvement’s Travel, Hospitality and Leisure practice and is based in Washington D.C. His expertise is centered around empowering clients to leverage technology to enable new business capabilities and models, improve customer and employee experience, increase operating performance and reduce cost to serve.

With more than 25 years of consulting experience, he sits at the intersection of business and technology. His primary areas of concentration include growth strategy, customer experience, loyalty, digital transformation, operating model development, spend optimization, process improvement, innovation and business enablement. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame.

Privately held since its founding in 1983, Alvarez and Marsal is a global professional services firm that provides advisory, business performance improvement, and turnaround management services to companies, investors, and government entities globally.

8. Zahara Kassam
Firm: FTI Consulting
Title: Managing Director

Zahara Kassam is a Managing Director at FTI Consulting with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience as a hotel real estate investor, asset manager, and brand partner. Kassam leverages her strategic, financial, and operational expertise to assist clients with a wide range of real estate bankruptcy, restructuring, litigation, valuation, transaction, and asset management advisory engagements.

9. Ryan Gilmour
Firm: Slalom
Title: Managing Director

Ryan Gilmour is the Managing Director of Slalom, a consulting firm specializing in business and technology and providing tailored solutions across various industries. The firm works closely with clients to address complex challenges and deliver practical outcomes. Gilmour brings 26 years of experience to his current role, where he is responsible for scaling successful strategies from previous roles to a larger geography and more diverse account portfolio. 

10. Gee Lefevre
Firm: Teneo
Title: Senior Managing Director

Gee Lefevre is a Senior Managing Director in Teneo’s Management Consulting division, where he leads Teneo’s work in Travel, Leisure, and Hospitality, as well as providing broader advisory on economics, demand, and consumer behaviour to a wide range of industries and public bodies. He is an expert on how macroeconomic, geopolitical, and cultural factors influence consumers’ behaviour, movement, and demand for products and services.

Lefevre’s work in the Travel sector includes extensive experience in aviation, heavy rail, bus, and broader mobility. He specialises in travel demand analysis to inform revenue recovery and growth strategy, and investment decisions. Lefevre has advised some of the world’s largest airline CEO’s, as part of high-profile engagements focused on recapitalisation and central government support for the aviation sector. He publishes a bi-annual global aviation forecast which is among the most detailed and robust available in the market. Outside of aviation, Lefevre has supported multi-billion dollar international rail franchise bids, and has led engagements involving the future of transportation, bus operations, and the impact of industrial action and disruption on rail and bus demand.

In the Hospitality and Leisure spaces, Lefevre supports major global chains and franchises in understanding the relationship between consumer attitudes and overall demand and revenue growth. A vast majority of this work has focused on how major events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, rapid economic flux, and structural demographic change have impacted consumers’ movement and demand for these products. Lefevre is an expert in the innovative use of cell tower data to map consumer movement patterns, complex economic forecasting, and scenario modelling.

11. Scott Kamenick
Firm: Protiviti
Title: Managing Director

Scott Kamenick is the Managing Director of Protiviti, a global consulting firm providing IT consulting, risk and compliance, digital transformation, and internal audit services. Kamenick has over 26 years of experience in consulting and public accounting, specializing in risk management and audit services for the hotels, motels, and resorts segment of the hospitality industry. Kamenick has extensive expertise helping hospitality companies manage enterprise risks, including cybersecurity, third-party risks, privacy, operational continuity, regulatory compliance, financial reporting, and fraud prevention.

12. Manuel Bremont
Firm: Ankura Consulting Group
Title: Managing Director

Manuel Bremont is a Managing Director and leads the Hospitality & Leisure Group at Ankura based out of Dallas. He brings over 20 years of experience in real estate, hospitality, tourism and other leisure products across the US, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. His advisory expertise is broad and includes market and feasibility analysis, strategic planning, performance improvement, interim/asset management, due diligence, restructuring, litigation support and M&A. During his career, Bremont has advised public entities, multinational development companies, financial institutions, PE firms, law firms and international lodging
companies.

Bremont’s professional experience includes the interim management of an 8,000-acre, master planned resort development and his participation as part of the team that managed the Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. bankruptcy estate, which included approximately $5B in hospitality assets, and the real property settlement negotiations and claims evaluation process associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. He has also been active in the M&A space working in different capacities across transactions involving Aimbridge Hospitality, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Two Roads Hospitality, Belmond Hotels, Sage Hospitality, Grupo Hotelero Prisma (Mexico) and Hoteles GHL (Colombia). His contributions also extend to litigation matters including wrongful contractual termination claims, HMA disputes and company valuations, among other.

Bremont has authored articles on lodging market trends across various destinations in the Americas and has served as panel moderator and/or speaker at the Hospitality Law Conference, the ULI Hotel Development Council for North Texas, the Dallas Hotel Conference and the IMN Forum on Real Estate Opportunity & Private Fund Investing. He has also participated as guest lecturer for the Conrad N. Hilton College’s undergraduate and graduate programs in numerous occasions. Bremont earned an undergraduate degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management at Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership (Magna Cum Laude)

13. Alex Rhodes
Firm: Grant Thornton LLP
Title: Partner

Alex Rhodes is a Partner at Grant Thornton LLP. Rhodes has over 22 years of experience serving publicly held and private clients in accounting, auditing and advisory services, focusing on hospitality, restaurants, and real estate. Grant Thornton LLP is a licensed, certified public accounting firm that provides audit and assurance services.

14. Ken Greger
Firm: August Leadership LLC
Title: Travel and Hospitality Partner

Ken Greger is a leading Partner in the global Travel and Hospitality Practice with August Leadership LLC, an international executive search and leadership advisory firm based in New York. As a highly trusted thought leader and advisor to the travel and hospitality industry, Greger brings global experience and a practical, client-focused approach, recognizing each client’s unique needs.

Greger’s impressive track record throughout the US and beyond spans over 30 years and includes high-level work with foreign governments developing their travel and tourism sectors, multinational public hotel companies, independently owned trophy properties, startups, and more. He is known for his immersive approach to understanding clients' businesses, strategic objectives, and company DNA, then crafting tailored search or long-term talent strategies to achieve optimal business outcomes. 

His portfolio includes significant assignments for C-suite leaders on large-scale projects, such as a $68 billion development in Saudi Arabia. His trusted advisory role extends to discussing long-term strategy, brand and culture, talent requirements, succession planning, and competitive challenges with key industry leaders, earning him a reputation as a trusted strategic advisor across the industry. 

Greger started his career with Deloitte and Touche, now Deloitte. From there, he entered the world of executive search and consulting, including several years with KPMG in Los Angeles. He has worked for three global search firms and previously also achieved success with his own firm, Greger/Peterson Associates, Inc., a highly regarded retained search firm. 

15. Tausif Khiani
Firm: Capgemini
Title: Vice President

Tausif Khiani leads Capgemini’s Hospitality Industry Portfolio. He is a business and technology transformation thought leader and subject matter expert, with more than 15 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and leading industry players across the cruise lines, casinos, hotels, travel, and entertainment segments. 

Khiani has helped drive double-digit results for his clients through his work with the industry’s top innovators and disruptors and his approach to enabling connected experiences through all lenses of the business. He and Capgemini offer a unique understanding of how to build future-proofed solutions adapted for the challenges, trends, and nuances in hospitality businesses and for their consumers.

16. David Trunkfield
Firm: PwC UK
Title: Partner

David Trunkfield is a Partner of PwC United Kingdom. PwC is a network of firms in 151 countries with over 364,000 professionals committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory, and tax services. He leads PwC's Travel, Hospitality and Leisure practice in the UK, and is the global leader of the Betting and Gaming practice. He has over 20 years of experience in the hotels and leisure sector, working across a wide range of sectors including pubs and restaurants, betting and gaming, travel and tourism, hotels, and leisure.

17. Scot Hornick
Firm: Oliver Wyman
Title: Partner

Scot Hornick is a Partner at Oliver Wyman and head of the firm’s Pricing, Sales, and Marketing practice for the Americas. With 30 years of experience as both a consultant and operating executive in the travel industry, Hornick helps clients improve profitability through analytic approaches to segmentation, customer relationship management, loyalty programs, pricing, revenue management, and distribution channel management.

18. Jim Miller
Firm: Arthur D. Little
Title: Partner

Jim Miller is a Partner at Arthur D. Little, where he leads the firm’s Travel and Transportation practice in the USA. Arthur D. Little is a management consultancy that links strategy, innovation, and technology to help clients succeed. Miller is a leading expert in the economic and financial analysis of transportation issues and opportunities for airports, airlines, ports, and rail. His capability stems from over 35 years of experience as a consultant as well as an investment banker specializing in transportation related financial transactions.

19. Steffen Wagner
Firm: KPMG
Title: Partner and Global Head, Transport and Leisure

Steffen Wagner is a KPMG partner and leads KPMG’s global transport and leisure sector. KPMG is a global network of independent professional services firms offering audit, tax, and advisory services. Operating in 143 countries and territories, KPMG employs over 265,000 partners and staff across its member firms worldwide.

20. Paul Newman
Firm: RSM UK
Title: Partner, Head of Leisure and Hospitality

Paul Newman is an Audit Partner and RSM’s Head of Industries. He is responsible for developing the firm’s industry strategy in the UK and leading its team of sector specialists. Newman oversees the development of the firm’s industry activity, ensuring it provides valuable insights to clients and works to spread industry knowledge across the business for future sector leaders and strengthening the firm’s capabilities.

21. Simon Foster
Firm: Spencer Stuart
Title: Partner

Simon Foster a Partner at Spencer Stuart’s search efforts in the restaurant sector and is a core member of the firm’s Hospitality and Leisure and Consumer and Financial Officer practices. Simon is a former CEO, entrepreneur, board director and trained accountant with over a decade of search experience. 

22. Vinodh Sunderarajan
Firm: HCL Tech
Title: Senior Vice President

Vinodh Sunderarajan is the Senior Vice President of HCL Tech, a global technology company with more than 219,000 people across 60 countries, specializing in digital, engineering, cloud, and AI solutions. Sunderarajan oversees delivery excellence, customer satisfaction, and organizational success. He is also responsible for program and project management, drafting technology road-maps, solving business problems with technology solutions, driving business growth and process maturity, implementing continuous improvements, and developing organizational talent.

23. Kumar Paramasivam
Firm: Infosys
Title: Vice President

Kumar Paramasivam is a Vice President at Infosys, where he leads client services for professional services, travel and hospitality, education, and business services. Infosys is a company specializing in next-generation digital services and consulting, helping clients in over 50 countries navigate their digital transformations. With more than three decades of experience, Infosys guides global enterprises through their digital journeys with expertise.

24. Faith Marshall
Firm: Cognizant
Title: Director, Travel and Hospitality

Faith Marshall is the Director of Business Development in the travel and hospitality vertical at Cognizant. In this role, she is responsible for promoting Cognizant's offerings, representing the company through thought leadership, and acquiring new clients for Cognizant's Travel and Hospitality portfolio. Marshall has more than 20 years of hospitality and travel technology experience, including global sales, relationship management, and corporate strategy.

25. Teresa Long
Firm: Willis Towers Watson
Title: Industry Leader, Retail, Leisure and Hospitality

Teresa Long is the Industry Leader for Retail, Leisure, and Hospitality of Willis Towers Watson (WTW). At WTW, she focuses on providing specialist industry insight and tailored solutions to help clients manage and mitigate risks. With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Long brings a strategic approach and innovative solutions to complex situations.

As the world's largest specialist sustainability consultancy, ERM leverages over 50 years of experience and a diverse team of more than 8,000 experts to help organizations integrate sustainability into their operations. Energetics, established in 1984, specializes in addressing climate-related challenges for major Australian businesses, investors, and governments, focusing on achieving net zero emissions and capitalizing on Australia’s clean energy potential. Together, these firms aim to accelerate the transition to a climate-resilient, decarbonized economy.

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The research indicates that smaller firms, particularly those with annual revenues of $500 million or less, are disproportionately affected, with their zombie share increasing from 6.2 percent in 2022 to 6.7 percent in 2023. As companies grapple with rising interest rates, Kearney conducted stress tests predicting a potential rise in zombie companies, where increased debt servicing could affect 6.6 percent to 7.7 percent of firms. Experts from Kearney emphasize the urgency for businesses to adopt proactive strategies, such as restructuring or debt conversion, to enhance resilience and avoid insolvency.

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Adobe Express for Education continues Adobe’s long-standing commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into educational environments while prioritizing safety and privacy. The platform provides K-12 educators with industry-leading tools to help students develop 21st-century skills. Adobe’s responsible AI approach ensures that generative AI features support rather than replace student creativity, with strict privacy protections and controls in place. Available for free to K-12 teachers and students, the platform offers extensive resources and professional development to integrate these tools into curricula effectively, underscoring Adobe's dedication to empowering the next generation of learners.

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As consumer preferences increasingly favor environmentally friendly products and services and investors demand stronger ESG performance, businesses that embrace sustainability stand to gain significant competitive advantages. These consultants play a crucial role in this transformation—guiding complex energy transitions, integrating sustainable practices into supply chains and operations, and helping organizations manage and respond to ESG data with precision. By aligning business success with environmental stewardship, these leaders are making strides toward a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for all.

Among this year’s awardees, Jennifer Steinmann, Global Sustainability and Climate Practice Leader at Deloitte, is recognized for her leadership in driving cross-business sustainability initiatives that embed environmental strategies at the core of organizational operations. Velislava Ivanova, EY’s Americas Chief Sustainability Officer and Global Strategy and Markets Leader, stands out for her visionary approach to developing and implementing sustainability strategies across diverse sectors. Susan Kenniston, Global Head and VP of Sustainability at Wipro, is noted for her expertise in expanding and scaling global sustainability practices.

This year’s awardees were selected through a methodical evaluation process and thorough consideration of each candidate’s contributions to advancing both their organizations and sustainable impact as a whole. Please join us in recognizing The Top 25 Sustainability Consultants and Leaders of 2024.

1. Alison Kennedy
Firm: Accenture
Title: Senior Managing Director, Head of Sustainability

Alison Kennedy is the Singapore-based Senior Managing Director and Head of Sustainability at Accenture, a global professional services company that helps businesses, governments, and organizations build their digital core, optimize operations, accelerate revenue growth, and enhance citizen services.

2. Christopher LeWand
Firm: FTI Consulting
Title: Senior Managing Director

Chris LeWand is the Global Power, Renewables and Energy Transition (PRET) practice leader at FTI Consulting and a member of FTI Capital Advisors. He has extensive experience leading projects in conventional and renewable power, fuel sources, and enabling technologies such as advanced mobility, clean fuels, software, storage, and broader infrastructure. LeWand specializes in capital and M&A advisory, strategic and financial planning, business transformation and restructuring, dispute advisory and valuation, interim management, and merger integration planning and execution.

Under his leadership, the FTI PRET team has completed over 800 projects, including key developments in the renewables sector over the past 15 years. He has assisted numerous clients in developing and implementing clean energy and energy transition oriented business models, including foreign and domestic entrants seeking to consider macro competitive, regulatory and general market dynamics as well as situation and entity specific factors where key levers of challenge and success required careful analysis and consideration in order to drive optionality and optimized results.

LeWand holds certifications and licenses as a CPA, CFA, ABV, CIRA, and CTP, and has FINRA Series 7, 63, and 79 licenses. He has served on boards, acted as a board advisor, and held interim management roles such as CEO, CFO, CRO, and Private Equity Fund MD for multi-billion dollar enterprises. His consulting and advisory services are informed by his hands-on experience, ensuring a deep understanding of the accountability and rigor required to achieve successful outcomes.

3. Velislava Ivanova
Firm: EY
Title: Chief Sustainability Officer and the Global Strategy and Markets Leader

Dr. Velislava Ivanova is the EY Americas Chief Sustainability Officer and the Global Strategy and Markets Leader for EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services practice. She is a recognized sustainability expert with over 25 years of international experience in developing and delivering sustainability strategies for multinational corporations across sectors such as energy, manufacturing, retail, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals. Dr. Ivanova works closely with senior executives in large, complex organizations to set sustainability goals, improve business performance, and embed sustainable practices across value chains and products.

In her role at EY, Dr. Ivanova leads the strategic direction and growth of EY’s sustainability services globally, overseeing a team of nearly 5,000 professionals dedicated to sustainability. She focuses on developing innovative solutions, sector strategies, and go-to-market efforts, as well as enhancing digital enablement and delivery methodologies. Additionally, she manages EY’s engagement with sustainability partners and alliances.

Dr. Ivanova regularly collaborates with leading sustainability organizations such as CDP, WEF, SBTi, and UNGC, and serves as the EY Liaison Delegate at the WBCSD. She is a frequent speaker at sustainability forums and has published thought leadership on topics including sustainability strategy, sustainable supply chains, climate and natural capital, and sustainability reporting. She holds a PhD and a master’s degree from the University of Manchester, as well as a master’s degree from the University of Sofia in Bulgaria. Dr. Ivanova has been recognized among the Top 25 Sustainability Consultants and Leaders in 2022 and 2023 by The Consulting Report.

4. Thibaut Millet
Firm: EY
Title: Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability Services

Thibaut Millet is a Partner in the Climate Change and Sustainability practice at EY, with over 24 years of management consulting experience. A pioneer in integrating sustainability into business strategy, he began helping clients develop and implement sustainability transformation programs as early as 2005.

Throughout his career, Thibaut has been a trusted advisor to leading clients across various sectors, including power and utilities, manufacturing, mining and metals, transportation, financial services, pension funds, large asset owners, consumer products, and retail. He led EY's Climate Change and Sustainability services team for many years, growing it into one of Canada's largest and most successful groups of dedicated sustainability practitioners.

Currently, Thibaut focuses on helping boards navigate the complex impacts of climate change and improve their climate-conscious governance practices. He leads EY Canada's efforts to provide advisory services and tailored educational experiences for corporate directors, emphasizing practical insights to operationalize effective climate governance and fostering long-term climate stewardship.

5. Hasan Shafi
Firm: EY-Parthenon
Title: Partner

Hasan Shafi is a leader in EY-Parthenon’s energy strategy, energy transition and sustainability related services in the MENA region. Shafi has 25+ years of professional experience across strategy consulting and industry, with deep experience in energy, resources, chemicals and asset intensive industrial sectors. While home is in Sydney, Australia, Shafi has consulted to clients in the Middle East, Australia – New Zealand and SE Asian countries.

Shafi has been focusing on topics related to energy transition, sustainability, decarbonization, ESG, low carbon technologies - e.g. hydrogen, CCS, energy storage, sustainable fuels, circularity. He is interested in bringing together business strategy, sustainability, and technology (in particular AI) to create distinctive, competitive advantage for companies. Functionally, Hasan has also helped clients develop and execute growth and value creating strategies, develop investment strategies, execute end to end M&A programs, and drive performance improvement initiatives.

Prior to EY-Parthenon, he was a Partner with Kearney in Asia Pacific, Principal with Bain & Company in Australia, and mostly recently Partner with Arthur D. Little in the MENA region. Shafi also worked as a senior executive for a global, listed chemicals company from Australia, responsible for corporate strategy, planning and global M&A. Hasan started his career as a Schlumberger engineer and spent time as a Defence Scientist in Australia. Shafi has a PhD in Mechanical and BSc in Aeronautical in engineering, as well as an MBAE degree from University of Michigan, USA.

6. Meghan Harris-Ngae
Firm: PwC Canada
Title: Partner and National Leader

Meghan Harris-Ngae is a Partner and National Leader of PwC Canada’s ESG Strategy Integration and Transformation practice. She is also PwC’s Global Leader of Sustainability for Private Business. In both roles, Harris-Ngae advises executives and boards on developing integrated and practical sustainability strategies that drive value for business and enable long-term resilience.

Harris-Ngae’s leadership in sustainability was built over 22 years after starting her career in the energy sector, before moving internationally to work with multinational organizations based in the UK on their ESG strategies. Her dynamic experience building and mentoring teams of professionals, authoring thought leadership, and working with companies across all sectors has positioned her as a recognized global leader in the field.

Prior to joining PwC, Harris-Ngae was a Partner and leader who developed EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy practice. She also served as the firm’s Global ESG Leader for Mining and Metals. Harris-Ngae spent 13 years enabling the growth and development of a team of practitioners and practice that doubled in size during her tenure. Harris-Ngae has a degree in international relations from the University of Calgary and has completed the Harvard Leadership Program and the Corporate Social Responsibility Program at the Harvard Business School.

7. Anthony DeCandido
Firm: RSM US
Title: Partner

As RSM’s US ESG Leader, Anthony DeCandido heads a cross-functional team that supports companies across various industries—including financial services, manufacturing, and consumer goods—on critical ESG and sustainability issues. DeCandido has over 19 years of assurance and advisory experience serving both domestic and global companies, including having supported companies in front-end strategy development, technology, as well as pre-audit, audit and risk compliance.

DeCandido is a leading business voice in ESG regulatory matters and participates in both the AICPA and Center of Audit Quality Sustainability Task Forces. He has prepared research around ESG and sustainability which is featured within RSM’s Insights library and has played a prominent role in researching and authoring articles on regulatory reporting adoption topics, along with insights for collecting, measuring, and communicating performance. DeCandido also serves as executive sponsor on RSM's climate change steering committee, which is an ongoing project that culminates with RSM’s annual impact report.

As a lead advisor within RSM’s ESG Advisory practice, DeCandido guides companies and boards of directors through ESG and climate strategy, scenario analysis, data collection, technology implementation, and reporting and communications. DeCandido has worked with dozens of firms to develop ESG policies and procedures and has developed RSM’s proprietary rapid assessment methodology which caters to companies beginning their ESG program, as well as supporting advanced companies though a total return on investment methodology, which is a deeply quantitative analysis that correlates changes in ESG behaviors to improved financial and nonfinancial business results. DeCandido graduated from Loyola University Maryland with an undergraduate degree in accounting.

8. Jamie Stone
Firm: PA Consulting
Title: Partner

Jamie Stone is a leader in the Design, Sustainability, and Innovation business for PA Consulting. With over 25 years of experience in both agency and client-side roles, Stone has served as the global head of design for major FMCG and Consumer Health companies. He has extensive expertise in branding and packaging design, building brand loyalty, crafting consumer stories, and innovating with new packaging materials. Stone also has a deep understanding of the supply chain, enabling him to design margin accretive products in complex matrix systems. 

Over the past decade, Stone has concentrated heavily on sustainable packaging, establishing himself as a leading expert in plastic replacement materials and strategies for creating truly circular packaging solutions. Before joining PA Consulting, Jamie was the Global Head of Design at GSK Consumer Healthcare, now Haleon, and previously served as a Partner and Head of Design at The Brewery Design. Earlier in his career, he worked with P&G as a Design Manager. Jamie holds a degree in design for industry from Northumbria University.

9. Anthony Perrotta
Firm: PA Consulting
Title: Partner

Anthony Perrotta is a Partner at PA Consulting, where he works with clients on growth strategy, sustainability, and regenerative economy initiatives aiming to assist clients, governments, and organizations in advancing beyond Net Zero goals. Tony has more than 25 years of experience in sales leadership, FMCG/CPG/retail, and sustainability and innovation. 

Perrotta also serves as business lead responsible for accelerating commercialization and scale-up of new technologies to reduce dependence on single use plastics. A recent example of this effort is the development of two cross industry collectives aimed at using dry molded fiber to replace single use bottles and pharmaceutical packaging. His team led the Diageo Paper-based Bailey’s Mini launch, a key initiative in this area.

Previously, Perrotta was the Global Head of Sales and Chief Revenue Officer at Plastic Bank, a blockchain-enabled social impact company. He also serves on multiple advisory boards, advising on fund raises, shaping revenue maps, market narratives, and actionable plans for startups focused on waste to value conversion, SaaS-enabled food safety and compliance, and social impact. 

10. Susan Kenniston
Firm: Wipro
Title: Global Head and VP of Sustainability

Susan Kenniston is the Global Head and VP of Sustainability at Wipro, with over 30 years of experience in building and delivering solutions for some of the world’s leading brands. At Wipro, she has expanded and scaled the global sustainability practice, the Wipro Impact brand, and integrated sustainability services and solutions.

With nearly 15 years dedicated to sustainability, Susan has become a thought leader and visionary in the field. She specializes in the intersection of sustainability and technology, driving strategic and impactful reductions and improvements to operationalize responsible business practices. Susan’s extensive background includes experience in strategy and operations, data and analytics, supply chains, and enterprise architecture across sectors such as telecommunications, high tech, footwear and apparel, and technology consulting.

In 2023, Susan was recognized as one of The Top 25 Consulting Leaders by The Consulting Report. She has provided thought leadership at various forums, offering insights on how digital transformation can mitigate climate change. Additionally, she has contributed to whitepapers on sustainable technology, impact intelligence, and sustainable airports, among other topics.

11. Anuj Shah
Firm: Stax
Title: Managing Director and the Head of ESG and Impact Advisory

Anuj Shah is a Managing Director and the Head of ESG and Impact Advisory at Stax, a global management consulting firm, where he advises private asset managers, corporations, and investment banks on value enhancing approaches to ESG integration, sustainability strategy, and impact outcomes. The firm partners with its clients to provide data-driven, actionable insights designed to drive growth, enhance profits, increase value, and make better investment decisions.

Shah was previously a Partner at Close Group Consulting and KKS Advisors, both boutique ESG advisory firms, and was the Founder and Managing Director of Linear Impact Partners, a company that developed customized business development solutions for responsible investments. Prior to founding Linear Impact Partners, Shah spent nearly 20 years in the investment management industry, working at Bankers Trust, Lehman Brothers, and Morgan Stanley, where he held the role of Head of Strategy and Business Management for the Private Wealth Management business unit.

With 25 years of combined experience in capital markets and responsible investing, Shah offers a unique perspective on ESG and impact, with a strong emphasis on the business case. He holds a master’s degree in international affairs with concentrations in international financial business and South Asia from Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Boston College.

12. Jennifer Steinmann
Firm: Deloitte
Title: Global Sustainability and Climate Practice Leader

Jennifer Steinmann is the Deloitte Global Sustainability Business Leader, providing cross-business leadership to make an impact that matters and drive critical changes around some of the most important challenges organizations face. She is a member of Deloitte’s senior leadership team and for more than 25 years has held various leadership positions at Deloitte, including Deloitte US Chief Talent Officer and Deloitte US Deputy CEO.

Steinmann has also served on the Board of Directors for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and the Deloitte Foundation. Steinmann was also previously Deloitte’s US Chief Transformation Officer, leading strategy, innovation, and technology. Steinmann teamed with Deloitte’s businesses to set the organization’s strategic direction, address strategic issues and opportunities facing the firm, and evaluate changes in the business and competitive environment.

Steinmann is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and improving communities. She was the founding sponsor of several Deloitte programs that drive positive social impact such as Courageous Principals and the CORE Leadership Program. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and an MBA from the Columbia School of Business.

13. Graeme Riddell
Firm: Marsh
Title: Climate and Sustainability Consulting Leader, Asia

Graeme is the Climate and Sustainability Consulting Leader within Marsh Advisory for Asia and the Pacific and co-leads the Marsh Centre for Climate Adaptation and Resilience Excellence (CCARE). Graeme supports clients across all sectors to understand and adapt to their emerging climate and ESG risks, leading a team of engineers, strategy consultants, climate scientists, and actuaries. Graeme led the establishment of the practice in Asia, expanding the team to now support clients across 13 countries. His work with CCARE goes beyond traditional consulting, focusing on enhancing access to capital both through insurance products and facilitating adaptation finance.

Prior to joining Marsh, Graeme was a Consultant at the World Bank, where he worked on climate and disaster resilience projects, including rapid post-disaster damage estimation. Previously, he held consulting and academic roles focused on modeling of physical climate risk in Australia and supporting public sector decision-making. Graeme holds a PhD and bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from The University of Adelaide.

14. Subramanian Kuppuswami
Firm: Tata Consultancy Services
Title: Global Head, BFSI Sustainability

Subramanian (Subi) Kuppuswami is the Global Head of Sustainability for TCS's BFSI business group. He specializes in the intersection of sustainability, ESG, business, and technology. Subi has played a key role in launching a greenfield strategic growth initiative on sustainable finance, where he established a unique perspective on "Greening Finance" and "Financing Green," and developed tailored solutions to meet the rapidly evolving demands in this area. 

Subi also holds a US patent for a "Method and System for Sustainability Measurement" (US11915506) and was instrumental in conceptualizing and developing an industry-recognized cloud-native ESG Integration suite. This suite enables financial institutions to have a transparent view of the ESG impacts of their assets and investments. A recognized thought leader in sustainability, ESG, and sustainable IT, Subi also mentors a team of young ESG professionals who support global customers in their sustainability and ESG transformation programs. 

With over two decades of global sales, solution development, and technology experience in banking and financial services, Subi's expertise in ESG and ClimateTech is widely acknowledged for creating focused solutions to address complex business challenges.

15. Mark Watson
Firm: Teneo
Title: Senior Managing Director and Head of ESG Advisory

Mark Watson is the Senior Managing Director and Head of ESG Advisory (APAC) at Teneo, the global CEO advisory firm. With over 25 years of experience in the sustainability arena, Watson has worked across professional services, government, industry, and international development. He specializes in providing high-level counsel to corporate boards and senior leadership teams, guiding ESG strategy, performance, disclosure, and communications.

Watson has advised companies on a wide range of sustainability issues, including material environmental risks such as climate change, water, energy, and waste, as well as social challenges. He has also overseen initiatives related to external ESG investor ratings, performance, and green finance.

Before joining Teneo, Watson was the Global Head of Sustainability at John Swire and Sons (HK) Ltd, the holding company for the Swire Group, a diverse conglomerate focused on the Greater China region. He has also served as Head of Environmental Affairs at Cathay Pacific, Head of Corporate Environmental Affairs at SBAC, and Policy Advisor at the Energy Retail Association. Watson holds a PhD and an undergraduate degree in geography from the University of London.

16. Vic Svec
Firm: Alvarez and Marsal
Title: Managing Director

Vic Svec is a Managing Director with Alvarez and Marsal's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Services practice in Chicago, specializing in ESG analysis and strategy. A&M is a global professional services firm known for providing advisory, business performance improvement, and turnaround management services.

17. Jenny Brusgul
Firm: CohnReznick
Title: Managing Director

Jenny Brusgul is the Managing Director of CohnReznick LLP, a firm that provides clients with forward-thinking advice to navigate complex business and financial issues. With more than 2,500 employees nationwide, CohnReznick offers the resources, technical skills, and deep industry knowledge to help clients succeed.

18. Elizabeth Sloan
Firm: Grant Thornton LLP
Title: Managing Director

Elizabeth Sloan is a Managing Director in Grant Thornton's ESG and Sustainability Services Practice. Sloan focuses on developing a high-quality methodology in the dynamic ESG regulatory environment, ensuring clients receive the valuable ESG information they and their stakeholders need. She actively participates in various task forces and working groups within the profession, both domestically and internationally, to stay ahead of emerging trends.

19. Martijn Eikelenboom
Firm: Arthur D. Little
Title: Managing Partner

Martijn Eikelenboom is the Managing Partner of Arthur D. Little Netherlands and the global Head of the firm’s Sustainability Strategy practice. He is also a senior leader in the Strategy and Organization and Technology and Innovation Management global practices. Arthur D. Little is a management consultancy that connects strategy, innovation, and technology to drive success for its clients.

20. John Blasberg
Firm: Bain and Company
Title: Partner

John Blasberg is a leader of Bain and Company’s Americas Sustainability practice and the Global Food Systems Transformation initiative. Bain and Company is a global consultancy that works with clients in 65 cities across 40 countries to achieve success. With over 20 years of management consulting experience, Blasberg has collaborated with numerous consumer products management teams to drive major corporate transformations.

21. Nikhil Ati
Firm: McKinsey and Company
Title: Partner

Nikhil Ati is a Partner in McKinsey and Company’s Houston office, where he leads the firm’s work on decarbonization in the energy, chemicals, and materials industries across North America. He helps clients implement decarbonization transformations at both asset and company levels, launch zero-carbon products, establish decarbonization hubs, and develop energy-transition strategies. McKinsey and Company is a global management consulting firm, serving as a trusted advisor to leading businesses, governments, and institutions worldwide.

22. Alex Hindson
Firm: Crowe UK
Title: Partner and Head of Sustainability

Alex Hindson is a Partner at Crowe UK, specializing in sustainability, risk governance, and climate risk. He helps build purpose-led, long-term sustainable businesses that can secure ESG-related opportunities while managing reputational and regulatory threats. Crowe UK, an independent member of Crowe Global, is a leading audit, tax, advisory, and risk firm with a national presence and international reach.

23. Rupal Kantaria
Firm: Oliver Wyman
Title: Partner

Rupal Kantaria is a Partner at the Oliver Wyman Forum, where she brings together the public and private sectors to solve global challenges. Oliver Wyman is a global leader in management consulting, with offices in more than 70 cities across 30 countries. The firm combines deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise in strategy, operations, risk management, and organizational transformation.

24. Vincent Charpiot
Firm: Capgemini
Title: EVP, Head of Group Sustainability Business Accelerator

Vincent Charpiot is the EVP and Head of Group Sustainability Business Accelerator at Capgemini, a global business and technology transformation partner that helps organizations accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world.

25. Varchala Abrol
Firm: World Wide Technology
Title: Vice President, Global Sustainability and EH&S

Varchala Abrol is the Vice President of Global Sustainability and EH&S at World Wide Technology (WWT), a global technology solutions provider. Founded in 1990, WWT generates $20 billion in annual revenue and combines strategy, execution, and partnership to accelerate digital transformation for large public and private organizations worldwide.

Bryan Marsal, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of A&M, emphasized the acquisition's significance in addressing evolving industry needs, stating that AMS combines A&M’s operational excellence with expert executive search capabilities. Peter Sacripanti, Managing Director at A&M, noted that this move acknowledges the critical role executive searches play in enhancing operational agility and strategic growth. Wilkinson indicated that AMS aims to deliver data-led talent consulting and expand into public board and C-suite searches across the US, Europe, and Asia. Established in 1983, A&M offers advisory, business performance improvement, and turnaround management services, leveraging its extensive expertise to provide practical solutions to complex client challenges.

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