Sun Life introduces its first chief sustainability officer

Promoted executive will report to president and CEO

Sun Life introduces its first chief sustainability officer

Insurance News

By Lyle Adriano

Sun Life Financial has appointed Alanna Boyd to the newly-created role of senior vice president and chief sustainability officer.

Boyd will report to Sun Life president and CEO Kevin Strain. As chief sustainability officer, Boyd will continue to build on the company’s long-term economic, environmental, and social commitments to create and lead “greater sustainability performance” for Sun Life, a release said.

“As a global industry leader, Sun Life has a responsibility and ability to advance meaningful sustainability outcomes and it is a key strategic priority for us,” commented Strain. “Creating a dedicated chief sustainability officer role is important to me to advance our priorities and I see it as the critical next step in Sun Life's sustainability commitment.”

Boyd first joined Sun Life in 2016 and most recently served as vice president of government, regulatory affairs & sustainability. According to the company, she has led the development and advancement of its current sustainability strategy, as well as reporting on Sun Life’s progress.

Boyd also helped in furthering Sun Life’s ESG disclosures in recognition of investors requesting increased reporting on sustainability performance. She has experience working in both the private and public spheres, including working with federal and provincial governments and has more than 10 years of expertise in the private sector related to sustainability. She is credited with the development of Sun Life’s purpose-led sustainability plan in 2019.

“The world is facing a series of unprecedented challenges – from climate change to the COVID-19 pandemic to growing inequality,” said Boyd. “Sun Life has a responsibility and opportunity to broaden its sustainability agenda to create a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive economy.”

Boyd added that the company has so much more to do, especially as it moves towards the fulfillment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

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