Professional services firm EY has appointed Colm Devine as its new Global Vice Chair for Sustainability, responsible for leading the firm’s sustainability and climate agenda globally.

Devine has been with EY for more than two decades, most recently leading the firm’s Power & Utilities Sector practice across UK & Ireland, specializing in providing clients with a range of advisory services including program advisory, contract risk services, corporate governance, risk management as well as corporate, strategic and business planning.

In his new role, Devine will lead teams across EY, supporting the design and delivery of services to help the firm and its clients achieve their sustainability agenda and transformation, leveraging technology and AI, as well as supporting EY professionals globally in upskilling and engaging around sustainability, including supporting C-suite leaders with underlying change.

Devine takes on the new role from former EY’s Global Vice Chair of Sustainability Amy Brachio, who was recently appointed CEO of Carbon Measures, a new coalition of major financial, energy and industrial companies aimed at advancing a more accurate and consistent accounting framework to track carbon emissions at the company and product level, and carbon intensity standards for key industrial products.

In a post announcing the appointment, Devine said:

“Right now, the convergence between sustainability, policy, technology and competitive forces cannot be ignored. That’s what makes this opportunity harnessing the worldwide capabilities and alliances of EY, for our people and clients so exciting. Sustainability is not only an imperative, but a significant competitive advantage in global markets – I like to support disruptive thinking and change.”