CSRD has been a hot topic for a while now. What’s your view on it?
Yes, it has really been on everyone’s lips. I completely understand the overwhelming feeling that many have felt, including myself. As the dust begins to settle and the first attempts at ESRS reports are released externally, I find this almost insurmountable task, also known as the ‘reporting monster,’ to begin to seem more manageable. I also feel that discussions around this topic are becoming more positive and companies are looking forward to finally starting their (external) reporting.

Will the corporate stories be drowned out by all the numerical data?
This will undoubtedly be one of the greatest challenges going forward. It becomes even more important to guide the reader even more now as the report grows in length and information requirements. As the numerical data increases, the accompanying narrative becomes even more important to provide necessary context. It will be extremely important to find the right balance to create an ESRS-adapted report that captures both the corporate story and the reader’s interest.

Forward-looking or just compliant—what is your recommendation?
I fully understand the different corporate perspectives on this and as much as I would like to say ‘forward-looking,’ the Swedish ‘lagom’ (just right) also works well. However, my strongest recommendation is to start now even if you are not affected until 2025. Begin implementing ESRS standards in the 2024 reporting, include as much as you can, and use this time to refine your reporting methods. By committing to external reporting and not just internal testing, sustainability gets a higher internal priority, the waters are tested, and it reduces the risk of struggling to meet regulatory requirements at the last minute.

How has your first time at Année been?
Beyond expectations, I’ve had a warm reception from both colleagues and clients. Things are moving fast, we have good momentum and it’s great to see such strong interest. It’s really true that we take on assignments from both a financial and sustainability perspective.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I was hoping you would ask that! As a parent of young kids, I have enormous amount of free time on my hands, which I love to spend on a round of golf in the sun, hosting friends and family and gardening. I also do enjoy a nice read; my guilty pleasure is Norwegian noir.