Standard Chartered Bank has appointed its first head of social sustainability.
Natalie Marko Nietsch has been appointed to the newly created role, moving from a position leading the bank’s global digital strategy.
Her job, which was announced by chief sustainability officer Marisa Drew in a statement on social media, will involve leading new business and partnerships to boost the bank’s social impact. The job is based in Singapore, StanChart’s regional headquarters.
Nietsch’s appointment “represents the evolution of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors as discrete but complementary areas of focus,” said Drew, adding that the new role will operate alongside the bank’s climate-focused sustainability function.
StanChart’s social sustainability strategy focuses on economic inclusion, community programmes aimed at tackling inequality, and promoting social and economic development.
Nietsch has no prior sustainability experience, although she worked in a team that designed SC WIN, an offering for women-owned businesses, and sits on a number of boards and committees focused on women’s economic empowerment.
She joined the bank in 2020 from Citi, where she worked for almost six years in sales roles. Over her career, she has worked for Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs, also primarily in sales.
