In line with its global $1.5 billion-backed ESG ambition, KPMG is stepping up its investments in the Middle East ESG practice. Newly appointed to lead the charge is Fadi Al-Shihabi, who has assumed the role of ESG Leader at the start of this month.

In October last year, global accounting and consulting firm KPMG made no secret of its ambition in the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) space. By 2025, the firm wants to be firmly nestled as one of the globe’s leading ESG consultancies, recognising the major growth potential in the landscape but also the fact that ESG is rapidly becoming top of mind for executives.

To realise this goal, a massive $1.5 billion investment has been made reserved, to bolster offerings, innovation, thought leadership, and to expand teams and capabilities.

Meanwhile, the firm has also set out to practice what it preaches, explained KPMG’s Global Chairman and CEO Bill Thomas in a note released in conjunction with the new ESG strategy. “The world faces crises on multiple fronts, which is why we’re putting the ESG agenda at the heart of everything we do. ESG will be the watermark running through our global organisation,” he said.

Shortly after the global launch, KPMG’s leadership team started preparing the implementation of the regional roadmap, which has led to a series of initiatives and now the appointment of Fadi Al-Shihabi. “As CEOs in the region are putting more weight on their ESG priorities, Fadi’s appointment reflects our commitment to build our ESG team and to drive value for our clients,” said a KPMG Middle East spokesperson.

With previous experience of leading the Climate Change and Sustainability team of a Big Four across the MENA region, Al-Shihabi brings over 22 years of involvement in industry and business consulting to the role.

Within the ESG and sustainability domain, he specialises in topics including sustainability advisory, decarbonisation and energy transition, circular economy, sustainable supply chain, health, safety & environment, sustainable finance and waste management. He also has extensive knowledge of the oil & gas industry, both upstream and downstream.

Commenting on his new role, Al-Shihabi, a Jordanian national said: “I am excited to join KPMG and look forward to continue focusing on the rapidly growing ESG commitments in the region.”

Source: KPMG