Key Impact Points:
- Fiona Wild appointed as Westpac’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
- Wild brings extensive experience from BHP and global climate advisory roles.
- Appointment underscores Westpac’s commitment to sustainability leadership.
Strategic Leadership in Sustainability
Westpac has appointed Fiona Wild as its new Chief Sustainability Officer, signaling the company’s strengthened focus on climate action, biodiversity, Indigenous engagement, and human rights.
Wild emphasized the urgency of climate action:
“If we are to address the issue of climate change at the pace and scale required, we need an effective and accelerated response from a diverse range of stakeholders, including business, government, academics, NGOs, investors, media and the community.”
Commitment to Science-based Advice
Fiona Wild, known for her role in shaping corporate sustainability strategies, is committed to providing candid, science-based guidance to businesses navigating climate risks and transitioning toward a low-carbon economy.
“I can’t always guarantee that my advice will be followed, but I can guarantee it will always be frank, fearless and based on science.”
Proven Experience in Climate Strategy
Previously, Wild was responsible for climate and sustainability public policy at BHP, leading critical initiatives such as the company’s Climate Change Portfolio Analysis report in 2015, a pioneering evaluation of financial impacts from transitioning to low-carbon operations.
She has also served on the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), contributing to global efforts to enhance transparency around climate financial risks.
At Westpac, Wild plans to leverage her experience, highlighting the critical role the financial sector plays:
“I believe the financial sector has a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of embedding sustainability into business decision-making for all our customers.”
Influential Industry Voice
Wild has actively engaged with high-level international stakeholders, including governments, industry groups, NGOs, and investors. She holds several board positions, including Deputy Chair of the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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