How Will Sabine Hoefnagel Lead ERM as Interim CEO?

ERM is a global sustainability consulting company, with a team of more than 8,000 experts in 40 countries worldwide.

Its purpose is to build a sustainable future with the world’s leading organisations.

It has announced a transition in its leadership structure, with Tom Reichert stepping down as CEO and Sabine Hoefnagel serving as Interim CEO.

Tom’s tenure as CEO

Tom Reichert joined ERM in February 2022 as its Global CEO.

Under his leadership, the company has strengthened its global platform, deepened its relationships with its clients and enhanced its capabilities across key growth areas.

Before his time at ERM, Tom worked at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for more than 26 years.

During this time, he held the roles of Chairman, North America and Chair of the Practice Areas, Global Leader DigitalBCG.

He is also on the Executive Committee of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Across his career, he has lived and worked extensively across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, focusing on large-scale change, sustainability, transformation and technology.

Tom says: “It has been a privilege to lead ERM during such an important period in the company’s development.

“I am incredibly proud of what our teams have accomplished together and the impact ERM continues to have supporting organisations on their sustainability journeys.

“I look forward to supporting a smooth transition.”

Sabine’s career so far

Sabine Hoefnagel has worked at ERM since December 2000, starting as a Senior Consultant in the International Development Team.

She has worked her way through the company, working as Global Director of Strategy and most recently Global Leader of Sustainability and Risk.

She has 28 years of experience in sustainability consulting across a range of sectors, including finance, energy, mining, manufacturing, chemicals and agribusiness.

Sabine previously worked for the United Nations Environment Programme as a legal specialist, where she worked with international organisations such as UNDP, the World Bank, IFC, FAO, the European Commission, the EBRD and NGOs to work towards sustainability.

Sabine says: “It is an honour to step into the role of Interim CEO and continue working alongside our exceptional teams around the world.

“ERM has a unique platform and extraordinary talent and I am focused on maintaining our momentum and continuing to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.”

Sabine’s new role

Tom will be stepping down from his role on April 15, with Sabine becoming Interim CEO at that time.

Tom will continue to support the transition in an advisory capacity during the change in leadership.

In her new role, Sabine will lead ERM in its commitment to operationalise sustainability at pace and scale, through strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities.

She will help clients unlock commercial opportunities that meet environmental, climate and social needs while bringing opportunities for a sustainable future.

Sabine said on LinkedIn: “As the world’s largest sustainability consultancy, we have a unique platform of extraordinary talent and brilliant experts united by the same purpose of shaping a sustainable future with the world’s leading organisations.

“I joined the company – and I stayed – because of that purpose. The work we do matters. It has always mattered, and in today’s volatile and uncertain world, it matters more than ever.

“I care deeply about our people, our clients and the impact we have together on the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. I look forward to steering ERM through to the next phase of its growth journey and, together with our partners and wider stakeholders, increasing our positive impact on the world.”