JCDecaux has announced the appointment of Alexandra Heaven as head of ESG for both Australia and New Zealand.
In this newly created senior leadership position, Heaven will be responsible for delivering on the local execution of the out-of-home media company global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) 2030 strategy.
Steve O’Connor, CEO JCDecaux Australia and New Zealand, said: “Being a leader in ESG has long been a core part of our business both locally and globally. As we continue to expand our ambitious ESG commitments, the time is right to appoint a dedicated senior resource to bring to life the significant work already happening across our organisation.
“Alexandra brings extensive and valuable expertise, including in European regulation and legislation, to ensure we keep leading the local market in this area.”
Heaven spent seven years at global food company Danone in Paris, in a variety of ESG specialist roles, most recently as global lead sustainability performance and reporting and global lead – Business for Inclusive Growth (B4IG) and Co-lead Impact Measurement.
Heaven said of her appointment: “JCDecaux’s ESG Strategy sets out ambitious and robust environmental, social and governance goals for 2030, and clearly demonstrates they are a forward-thinking media company. I’m thrilled to join as their first ever Head of ESG for Australia and New Zealand and deliver on the clear opportunity to be a leader in the industry.”
The out-of-home media company has a strong track-record in ESG practices:
• In 2015, it was the first Australian media organisation to be certified carbon neutral by Climate Active. In 2019, JCDecaux New Zealand was the first Out-of-Home company to be certified carbon zero by Toitu Envirocare for its business, products and services.
• In 2022, JCDecaux received Platinum status by EcoVadis* for its ESG performance and responsible procurement, placing it in the top one percent of companies globally. JCDecaux was also awarded a position on the CDP A list**, recognising the organisation’s long-term sustainable business model that respects the planet and its inhabitants.
• JCDecaux is the only Out-of-Home company globally to become a member of the RE100*** and now uses 100 percent renewable electricity across AU and NZ.
• In 2022, JCDecaux launched Australia’s first carbon neutral Out-of-Home advertising product – JCDecaux Transit, and now offers all classic (printed) formats as certified carbon neutral.
• The company was also the first Out-of-Home media company to launch a Reconciliation Action Plan in 2022. Through its corporate social responsibility program, JCDecaux supports several charity partners with a wide-reaching platform to communicate important social messages.
Top image: Alexandra Heaven