Global search commences for a new PRI CEO, following David Atkin's resignation.
The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Prepares for the Future Under David Atkin's Leadership
As the current CEO of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), David Atkin is leading the organization towards a more sustainable future. The PRI, founded in 2006 and supported by the United Nations, currently has over 5,000 signatories, managing assets totalling over $121 trillion [1][4].
With the organization's 20th anniversary and COP30 on the horizon, PRI is focusing on enhancing its proposition with a refreshed digital platform and reinforcing the financial materiality of sustainability issues [2]. The goal is to drive investor commitment and action towards net zero emissions and responsible investment, working closely with policymakers to create an enabling environment for equitable fossil fuel phase-out and scaling renewables [1].
Under David Atkin's leadership, the PRI has simplified its reporting framework, reorganised its operating model, and developed a 2024-27 strategy to better serve signatories. The organization is also expanding into emerging markets and aiming to provide greater support for asset owners [3].
David Atkin has shown a strong commitment to the PRI's mission, extending his original four-year term by six months. His vision and dedication have strengthened the organization's relationships across the asset owner community [4]. Conor Kehoe, PRI Board chair, has praised Atkin's leadership, calling it transformative [5].
In preparation for the future, the search for a new CEO will be led by a Board-appointed committee, chaired by Sharon Hendricks, the vice chair of the CalSTRS Investment Committee. The recruitment process will be managed by executive search firm Korn Ferry [6]. David Atkin has announced his plans to step down in 2026, but will remain in post over the next year to support the transition and continue advancing PRI's strategic goals [7].
As the PRI approaches its 20th anniversary, it is poised to increase its global impact, thanks in large part to David Atkin's leadership. The organization is committed to continuing its work towards a more sustainable future, and the search for a new CEO will be a significant step in that journey.
[1] https://www.unpri.org/news/pri-launches-new-initiative-to-drive-investor-commitment-and-action-towards-net-zero-emissions-23658.aspx [2] https://www.unpri.org/news/pri-launches-new-initiative-to-drive-investor-commitment-and-action-towards-net-zero-emissions-23658.aspx [3] https://www.unpri.org/net-zero-asset-owner-alliance/ [4] https://www.unpri.org/news/pri-ceo-david-atkin-to-step-down-in-2026-23659.aspx [5] https://www.unpri.org/news/pri-ceo-david-atkin-to-step-down-in-2026-23659.aspx [6] https://www.kornferry.com/ [7] https://www.unpri.org/news/pri-ceo-david-atkin-to-step-down-in-2026-23659.aspx
The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) focuses on driving investor commitment and action towards net zero emissions, reinforcing the financial materiality of sustainability issues as part of its mission in the business world. Under David Atkin's leadership, the organization has developed a 2024-27 strategy that includes investing in a refreshed digital platform and expanding into emerging markets to better serve signatories and manage assets totalling over $121 trillion.
