Professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal has launched a new EMEA ESG practice. The new practice will have a focus on transaction diligence and advisory, ESG-linked performance improvement and transformation, and supporting CFOs integrate non-financial sustainability metrics into their audited annual reports.
It will also work with banks, multilateral development agencies, infrastructure funds, and insurance companies to identify new project opportunities for financing and delivery.
“ESG has long been a focus for corporates across the world. The challenge is to deliver operational change that creates financial as well as societal value,” commented Antonio Alvarez III, Managing Director and Leader of A&M’s European practice.
According to Alvarez, the practice assists clients navigate “increasingly complex” regulatory, compliance, and stakeholder requirements, while “seeking ways to integrate ESG into business transformation.”
Will Rhode has been appointed as Managing Director to lead the new practice in EMEA.
“There is a gap in the market for evidence-based advice focused on operational delivery and results, and Will’s exceptional knowledge and experience make him the right person to lead the offer with clients,” said Alvarez.
Rhode joins with over 15 years of experience as a consultant covering ESG advisory, strategy, business and portfolio review, due diligence, and value creation support, the firm shared.
He previously served as a Partner at EY in the Financial Services Strategy & Transactions team, and the Global Private Equity ESG leader. Prior to that, he was a Partner at BCG, where he was the EMEA lead for Financial Services in the Private Equity and Principal Investor practice.
“Our goal is to provide clients with high-impact ESG-related solutions that have direct links to enterprise value and EBITDA,” said Rhode.
Adding: “By leveraging A&M’s multidisciplinary capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to support clients in their sustainability-linked transformations. We have already worked on some exciting projects, from carbon baselining to supply chain reviews, and have ambitious plans to continue to grow our team and expand our practice.”