Who is Dries Lagerberg, Rabobank’s New CSO?

Rabobank is an international cooperative bank that has worked alongside its customers and communities for more than 125 years.

It has announced the appointment of Dries Lagerberg as its new Chief Sustainability Officer.

Dries is taking on the role after spending his entire career so far with Rabobank.

About Dries’ career

Dries achieved his Bachelor’s degree in Dutch civil law in 1998 before studying for a Master’s degree in National and European business law.

He first joined Rabobank in 2000 as a Legal Counsel in the Netherlands.

He then moved to London, holding the same role in Rabobank’s London branch.

In 2005, Dries returned to the Netherlands as Head of the Primary Markets Team – a role which he held for almost 10 years.

He also held the positions of Head Legal Financial Markets and Head Legal Retail Banking & Litigation.

Most recently, he was the Head of Group Sustainability Regulations and Commitments at Rabobank, which he held for three years.

What does sustainability look like at Rabobank?

Rabobank’s sustainability strategy acknowledges the importance of sustainability in its operations, integrating it into business activities and decision making processes.

It is closely connected to the food and energy systems, which are under pressure from climate change, nature loss and social challenges.

Its net zero ambition goes beyond its own organisation, including the carbon emissions associated with its customers’ activities.

Rabobank aims to support its customers on their sustainability journey by combining financial solutions with knowledge, networks, products and services.

This involves financing sustainable homes, supporting future-proof agricultural models, enabling renewable energy generation and combatting deforestation in food value chains.

The company has been financing renewable energy for more than 20 years and plans to increase its efforts to avoid and reduce emissions.

It has a particular focus in sectors such as energy generation and infrastructure, industries, commercial and residential estate and transport.

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From interim to permanent CSO

In his new position as CSO, Dries is succeeding Aafke Keizer, who has led the sustainability department since 2022.

Aafke has recently taken on the role of Global Head of Clients & Portfolio Management, Wholesale and Rural at Rabobank.

Dries has been serving as interim CSO for the past few months and is bringing extensive experience in sustainability strategy to his new role.

In recent years, he has been part of Rabobank’s Group Sustainability Management Team, where he helped to shape and advance the bank’s sustainability ambitions.

Dries says: “Having worked on sustainability within the bank for several years, I’ve seen both the progress we’ve made and the challenges that still lie ahead.

“I’m looking forward to continuing this journey together with colleagues, clients, partners and other stakeholders – focused on continuous progress taking into account different perspectives.”