A global pandemic, major climate events, and a focus on social change have combined to create “unprecedented” demand for talent to fill sustainability and ESG positions, says Shelly Fust, co-leader for Korn Ferry’s global Sustainability and ESG Solutions Center of Expertise.

Speaking on the REIT Report, Fust described sustainability and ESG as “a very big tent,” requiring talent from all sectors and all levels to fill the demand being created by this accelerating market. “There's so much momentum underway in this space. I believe truly that anyone who has the passion and interest in this sector can find a very rewarding career,” she added.

Fust noted that corporate sustainability roles were really just being created about 15 years ago and were relatively thinly staffed at the top corporate level.

“Many of those first chief sustainability executives are now preparing to retire. And as we're having to then magnify these roles across just about every organization, we’re finding that there's significantly more demand than there is talent,” Fust said.

Episode 288: Korn Ferry Recruiter Sees “Unprecedented” Demand for Sustainability and ESG Talent