Green moves: Alphinity, Australian Ethical, Climate Change Authority

The Climate Change Authority has welcomed Gretta Stephens as a new member, just one month after her resignation as head of climate change and sustainability at BlueScope.

The independent statutory body, set up to advise Canberra, highlighted Stephens' expertise in industrial decarbonisation, energy systems, climate change, sustainability, and corporate strategy.

With over 30 years of experience in the aluminium and steel industries across Australia and New Zealand, Stephens has held senior executive positions in operations leadership, business transformation, and technical development.

In 2021, she became the inaugural head of climate change and sustainability at BlueScope, marking the first role of its kind in a major Australian industrial company.

During her tenure at the steel producer, she led the development of the company's decarbonisation strategy, initiated significant cross-sector partnerships with Rio Tinto and BHP, and launched New Zealand's largest industrial decarbonisation project.

In addition to her executive roles, Stephens has contributed to various government, industry, and community initiatives, including serving on the New Zealand Prime Minister's Business Advisory Council and several advisory and governance boards.

"The Authority is delighted to have Ms. Stephens join its membership and looks forward to the valuable insights and leadership she will bring as we continue our work to provide independent advice on Australia's climate policies and progress," the Climate Change Authority said.

Before stepping down from her role at BlueScope, the outgoing sustainability chief appointed Deborah Caudle as her successor.

Caudle has over 25 years in finance and banking as well as engineering roles in the resources and industrials sectors. Most recently, she served as finance chief at Fortescue Energy after a year at Oz Minerals.

"Caudle brings a wealth of experience and a passion for decarbonization and sustainability. I have no doubt she will continue to drive BlueScope's commitment to a sustainable future," Stephens said. "With an impressive career in banking and finance, this role brings her full circle, back to her roots as a process engineer at the HBI plant in Port Hedland with BHP."

Top sustainability expert Siobhan Toohill has taken on a new role with Alphinity Investment Management.

Toohill, who led sustainability efforts at Westpac for over 11 years, has joined the boutique fund manager's sustainability compliance committee. This committee is responsible for overseeing the Alphinity Sustainable Share Fund (Australia) and the Alphinity Global Sustainability Equity Fund. Toohill is part of a team tasked with rigorously reviewing the investable universe to ensure compliance with the fund's charter and adjudicating on any 'grey areas.'

The committee also focuses on refining the charter and filters as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) evolve, as well as identifying areas for company engagement and reviewing the external service providers utilised.

"In joining Alphinity, I am delighted to work with an organization that values openness and curiosity, has a thorough and authentic approach to sustainability, and is committed to in-house research to enhance sustainability performance," Toohill stated.

She brings over 20 years of experience in leading sustainability initiatives in ASX-listed companies to Alphinity, which is primarily employee-owned and supported by Fidante, part of the Challenger Group. Toohill's advisory work encompasses climate action, net-zero transition, natural capital, human rights, and social impact. She advises businesses and governments on issues such as climate change, nature conservation, anti-slavery initiatives, and gambling-related harm.

Toohill has previously co-chaired the UN Environment Programme's Banking Board and served on the UN's Net-Zero Banking Alliance.

With a background in architecture and as deputy chair of the Green Building Council of Australia, she played a key role in pioneering green-rated, energy-efficient developments. Additionally, she is on the board of The Social Outfit, a social enterprise focused on supporting refugees and migrants.

"I have been a customer of The Social Outfit since it opened in my neighborhood over 10 years ago and have been an enthusiastic supporter of the TSO's annual fundraiser, Wear the Change. I am thrilled to be joining the board of TSO to help shape its ongoing mission," she added.

Meanwhile, Natural Capital & Climate, the environmental services company, has recruited Sasha Courville as a principal consultant.

The firm is part of then Alluvium Group - an employee-owned consulting practice founded in 2006 to provide advice on threats to Australia's water resources, rivers and catchments.

Courville brings over two decades of experience in sustainability, natural capital, and systems change in the private and public sectors.

This includes senior and board roles in the finance industry, research agencies, and not-for-profit organisations.

Previous roles include chief impact officer at Bank Australia and executive social Impact at National Australia Bank.

"We are excited to have Sasha join our team and the Alluvium Group family to help us to create more resilient and sustainable operations and environments for our clients and partners," the adviser said.

Finally, Brian Bissaker has joined the board of Australian Ethical Investment.

Bissaker is a former chief executive of Colonial First State and Virgin Money, and also worked at Bank of Queensland. He currently sits on the board of MetLife Australia and IMB Bank.

He brings more than 30 years' experience to the board, now sitting alongside the likes of former Pendal chief executive Richard Brandweiner and Fiona Reynolds.