Global Reporting Initiative’s lead North American executive steps aside

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Matthew Rusk, who has been leading the North America strategy for the Global Reporting Initiative for the past four years, has recently left his position. Rusk departed in April but is currently working part-time as a fellow with the Sustainable Investing Research Initiative until May. In this role, he is assisting GRI in developing reporting standards for the financial sector. Rusk has not disclosed his plans for his next full-time job.

Prior to his role at GRI, Rusk served as a sustainability and corporate social responsibility manager at Swarovski. He brings extensive experience in managing ESG and sustainability initiatives for major entertainment companies such as The Walt Disney Co., Dreamworks, and Paramount.

Although Rusk’s departure has left a vacancy, GRI, headquartered in Amsterdam with a presence in the U.S., is not actively seeking a replacement. A spokesperson for the organization confirmed its dedication to the North American market.

Established nearly three decades ago, GRI was created to develop voluntary disclosure standards that companies use to report on emissions reductions, human rights policies, and environmental impact. The organization is among several nonprofits in the sustainability sector that are undergoing leadership and strategic changes, alongside organizations like CDP and the Science Based Targets initiative.

With an increasing number of regions making sustainability disclosures mandatory, GRI has aligned itself more closely with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), a part of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation. This alignment aims to standardize approaches; GRI’s standards are widely adopted by corporations, while ISSB’s framework incorporates financial materiality for an audience focused on investors.

Earlier this year, GRI appointed a new CEO, Robin Hodess, who previously served as chief of strategy and impact at The B Team, a nonprofit founded by Richard Branson. GRI’s objectives for this year include expanding the educational resources available to companies.