The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) today announced Chief Executive Ernst Ligteringen’s decision to leave GRI by the middle of 2015, having indicated his desire to look for a new role over the past year.
“The leadership offered by Ernst Ligteringen over the past 11 years has been a very important factor in GRI’s remarkable development and the pivotal role it is now playing in the growth of sustainability reporting,” said Christianna Wood, Chairman of the GRI Board.
“During his tenure, the number of organizations producing sustainability reports has increased from a handful of pioneers into the thousands, of which over 75% refer to the GRI Guidelines. GRI’s truly global reach, with strong stakeholder networks and Focal Point offices in almost every continent, speaks volumes about Ernst’s vision of a global organization providing a global standard.”
“With the dissemination of the new G4 Guidelines well in place, the Board and Ernst believe that now is a good time for the smooth handover to a new Chief Executive.”
Ernst Ligteringen said: “Working at GRI for the last 11 years with such talented and dedicated colleagues – and with diverse and highly motivated partners, stakeholders and supporters from around the world – has been a source of great personal pride and pleasure. I moved to Amsterdam to lead GRI because I believed in sustainability reporting and its capacity to change the world for the better. That is something I believe now more than ever. It is gratifying to see how businesses and other organizations are benefitting from using GRI’s Guidelines to help create a more sustainable world.”
Ms. Wood added: “I am delighted that Ernst is available to work with the board on a well-planned transition. The GRI Board will now begin the process to find the right candidate to take the helm. We are seeking someone with the same drive, ambition and vision as GRI. This is an exciting opportunity and an exciting time as GRI makes real progress in helping businesses and other organizations become more sustainable.”
GRI has retained the services of Perrett Laver to assist in the search for its new Chief Executive. To apply or download further information, please contact Perrett Laver by visiting www.perrettlaver.com/candidates quoting reference number 1541.
About GRI
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) promotes the use of sustainability reporting as a way for organizations to become more sustainable and contribute to a sustainable global economy.
GRI’s mission is to make sustainability reporting standard practice. To enable all companies and organizations to report their economic, environmental, social and governance performance, GRI produces free Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.
GRI is an international not-for-profit organization, with a network-based structure. Its activity involves thousands of professionals and organizations from many sectors, constituencies and regions.