Integrating Sustainability and Diversity in Boards
We connect experienced executives with board opportunities that shape sustainable corporate futures.
Join the Initiative
Goal of the initiative
By
2030
80%
of
Swiss
companies
integrate
ESG
in
their
Board
of
Directors,
with
proven
expertise
and
know-how.
Companies with headquarters in Switzerland and more than 250 employee
What is ESG4Boards?
ESG4Boards is an exclusive initiative that brings together executives with sustainability expertise and industry experience and positions them for Boards of Directors mandates.
5 reasons why ESG needs a place on Boards of Directors.
Sustainability experience is lacking in the majority of boards of directors, even though such knowledge would be essential for supervision.
Climate change and biodiversity loss are major threats to mankind.
Economic well-being requires equal opportunities and diversity at all levels.
Companies need sustainable business models and partnerships.
Investors and Stakeholders expect responsible companies.
New legal and regulatory requirements in the area of ESG & reporting.
ESG – Environment, Social, Governance
By ESG, we mean integrating sustainability in the company and in the corporate strategy. This includes, for example, ESG risks, governance, reporting and new business models that are aligned with environmental and social criteria.
Environmental
We drive transformation in all sectors ofthe economy…
Environmental
We drive transformation in all sectors ofthe economy…
Social
…through targeted board coachings and mandates as key to success…
Social
…through targeted board coachings and mandates as key to success…
Governance
…as well as the development of a vibrant community of committed and responsible leadership personalities.
Governance
…as well as the development of a vibrant community of committed and responsible leadership personalities.
Advisory Board
We are pleased to announce that Martin Hirzel, Antje Kanngiesser, Karin Lenzlinger, Helmut Ruhl and Tanja Vainio were elected in summer 2024 to the ESG4Boards Advisory Board.
Managing Board
As of April 2025, we are proud to welcome Lucrèce Foufopulos and Kaspar Hess to the Board, alongside the original founding members who remain actively engaged.
Saskia Günther
President ESG4Boards
Anne Wolf
Swisspower
Barbara Dubach
engageability | Innovate 4 Nature
Christine Crosby
NovaTaste
Christine Wiederkehr
Kühne+Nagel
Franziska Barmettler
digitalswitzerland
Kaspar Hess
Migros Bank
Katrin Muff
The Institute for Business Sustainability
Lucrèce Foufopoulos
Sika
Stephanie Engels
Signium
Ursula Finsterwald
LGT Private Banking
Partners
Meet the leaders who trust ESG4Boards
“Sustainability is complex and multifaceted. What we need are solutions that are practical, economically viable, and appealing to customers. That takes experience, dialogue, and innovative approaches.”
Saskia Günther
Initiator of ESG4Boards, Head of Sustainability at Swisscom
"Sustainability cannot be advanced in isolation within a company — only when it is an integral part of the corporate strategy can a company truly differentiate itself."
Martin Hirzel
President of Swissmem and Advisory Board Member at ESG4Boards
"Once companies recognize sustainability as a priority, they will understand the business value it brings. It is not an either-or decision, but a path to achieve a wide range of benefits — including jobs, security, resilience, sovereignty, prosperity, health, innovation, progress, and a more diverse and enriched world."
Tanja Vainio
Country President of Schneider Electric and Advisory Board Member at ESG4Boards
"To be effective, sustainability must be integrated into the core business strategy—not treated as a standalone effort. This positions companies to clearly differentiate themselves in the market."
Karin Lenzlinger
President of the Zurich Chamber of Commerce and Advisory Board Member at ESG4Boards
"Sustainability is not a trend, but a fundamental shift in the way we do business."
Helmut Ruhl
CEO of AMAG Group and Advisory Board Member at ESG4Boards
“We can learn from nature: diversity is essential. That applies to boards too, which are still dominated by legal and financial profiles. Do they have the solutions we actually need?”
Barbara Dubach
Co-initiator of ESG4Boards, Founder & CEO of engageability, CEO of Innovate 4 Nature
"The fish rots from the head — that’s why ESG competence and passion at board level are essential for successful transformation. ESG4Boards plays a vital role in driving sustainable corporate governance."
Kaspar Hess
Senior Business Advisor at Migros Bank
“Sustainability strategy must be approached strategically. To do this successfully, we need well-connected experts — also in boardrooms.”
Anne Wolf
Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Swisspower
Let’s elevate decision-making with stronger ESG knowledge
Join the Initiative