Tandem appoints head of ESG

In this newly created role, James will set the environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy for Tandem; taking responsibility for the bank’s policies, compliance and targets, while ensuring integration of ESG across Tandem’s products and propositions.

James brings over 25 years’ experience to Tandem, having worked in sustainability his entire career. This has included senior sustainability roles in German food and beverage flavouring producer, Symrise, and global energy firms, including BG Group, Hess Corporation, and Blue International Group, as well as running his own consultancy, Viridian Advisory. James also chairs the Sustainable Wine Roundtable and sits on the Board of Trustees for InterClimate Network, inspirating the next generation of climate change leaders.

Commenting on his appointment, James, said: ““ESG is rapidly working its way into the very fabric of companies particularly in financial services, with banks being driven by compliance and the constantly evolving regulatory environment.

“Tandem is going further than that. A greener lifestyle is mission critical. And that means there’s a real opportunity to make a difference, to help develop and build our offering and working with like minded partners and customers to do so.

“Tandem’s already done some great work on developing an ESG framework around Product, People and Planet. It’s had some good results, but there’s more to do. After working with Tandem recently in a consultancy capacity, I’m excited to join the team and take on this newly created role.”

Tandem CEO, Alex Mollart, commented:

“James is a renowned expert in sustainability. We’ve been working with him as a consultant to develop our first ever ESG Report, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to convince him to join Tandem’s greener journey.

“He’s one of the first to have an entire career in sustainability and I’m delighted we can bring that wealth of expertise into the team. Being green and responsible is at the heart of our business. James will play a crucial role in helping us maintain that while also building out other exciting commitments and steps towards helping our customers have a greener lifestyle.”

James will be based in Tandem’s new London office, with intentions to build out a wider ESG team to support activities in due course. The new role will also allow for increased engagement with industry and government on how the agenda can be moved forward, both for businesses and consumers.

Tandem has taken strides since its strategic pivot to becoming a green-focussed challenger, with over 68% of the bank’s loan book supporting green initiatives, with further green products and propositions in development. Tandem does not invest in fossil fuels or similar destructive industries. Instead, money held in Tandem savings accounts is used to fund its lending products, which include greener home improvement loans for energy efficient improvements, such as solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Benefiting customers’ pockets and the planet, Tandem offers greener ways to save, borrow, spend and share. From low emission motor loans, to lending for greener home improvements, to EPC discount mortgages and green savings, its products make it easier for more people to choose a greener lifestyle – helping save money, whilst reducing carbon footprints.