Worldwide hunt for a new CEO initiated by PRI following David Atkin's resignation
**Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Announces Search for New CEO**
David Atkin, the current CEO of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), has announced his plans to step down in 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the organisation as it prepares for its 20th anniversary and COP30.
Under Atkin's leadership, the PRI has experienced a period of rapid growth and structural change. The organisation, founded in 2006 and supported by the United Nations, now counts more than 5,000 signatories, representing assets managed in excess of $121 trillion.
**Deepening Investor Action on Sustainability**
The PRI's future plans center on deepening investor action on sustainability. The organisation remains focused on elevating investor ambition and action on sustainability, especially in the context of global net zero goals. It emphasises that investors alone cannot address the climate crisis—policymakers must also provide clear, enabling frameworks, such as detailed roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels and scaling renewables.
**ESG Integration and Policy Advocacy**
The PRI continues to promote the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment processes, with a strong focus on climate risk as a core financial risk. The organisation supports efforts to align investment strategies with global sustainability standards and national development priorities, urging clearer, more consistent sustainability regulations internationally.
**Thematic Engagement and Research & Innovation**
PRI signatories are expected to actively engage with companies to encourage alignment with sustainability goals. This includes thematic engagement on climate change, water management, and diversity and inclusion, as well as counterparty engagement to amplify impact. The organisation also supports research and innovation in green finance, exemplified by initiatives like the Greening Finance Prize in collaboration with academic partners.
**Regulatory Collaboration and Global Partnerships**
A key part of the PRI’s forward-looking agenda is engaging with regulators to ensure financial regulations support long-term, sustainable investment and accurately reflect emerging risks. The organisation calls for smarter, more flexible regulatory frameworks that incentivize investment in sustainable development. The PRI encourages closer collaboration between private investors, governments, and multilateral development banks to unlock sustainable investment, particularly in developing countries.
**Enhancing the PRI's Proposition**
To further strengthen its position, the PRI plans to enhance its proposition with a refreshed digital platform and provide greater support for asset owners. The organisation also intends to reinforce the financial materiality of sustainability issues as it prepares for COP30 and its 20th anniversary in 2026.
**Leadership Transition**
The search for the new CEO of PRI will be led by a Board-appointed committee chaired by Sharon Hendricks, the vice chair of the CalSTRS Investment Committee. Atkin will remain in post over the next year to support the transition and continue advancing PRI's strategic goals.
Atkin's vision and dedication have strengthened PRI's relationships across the asset owner community. Conor Kehoe, the PRI Board chair, stated that Atkin's leadership has been transformative. The recruitment process for the new CEO will be managed by executive search firm Korn Ferry.
The PRI, under Atkin's leadership, is positioned to increase its global impact as it approaches its 20th anniversary. The organisation's strategic focus and future plans demonstrate a commitment to driving investor ambition and action on sustainability, advocating for robust policy frameworks, expanding thematic engagement, fostering research, and strengthening global partnerships—all aimed at accelerating the transition to a sustainable and inclusive global economy.
In the search for a new CEO, the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is focusing on finding a leader to continue the organization's business growth, particularly in the areas of responsible investing and finance, as it strives to deepen investor action on sustainability.
To further solidify its position, the PRI is planning to invest resources into ESG integration, policy advocacy, research and innovation, thematic engagement, regulatory collaboration, and global partnerships, all aimed at driving investor ambition and action on sustainability.
