Global hunt commences for PRI's new chief executive, with David Atkin stepping down from his position.
The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), a global network of investors working towards a more sustainable financial system, is currently searching for a new CEO. Current CEO, David Atkin, who has been in the role since 2022, has announced his intention to step down in 2026.
Atkin's leadership has been transformative, leading the PRI through a period of rapid growth and structural change. Under his tenure, the organisation has focused on climate policy engagement, global financial disclosure standards, and responsible investment principles to promote sustainability.
During his time as CEO, Atkin oversaw the development of the PRI's 2024-27 strategy, the simplification of its reporting framework, and the reorganisation of its operating model to better serve its over 5,000 signatories. The assets managed by these signatories exceed $121trn.
Atkin has also committed to ensuring a seamless handover and will remain in post over the next year to support the transition. The search for a new CEO will be led by a Board-appointed committee, chaired by Sharon Hendricks, vice chair of the CalSTRS Investment Committee.
Executive search firm Korn Ferry has been appointed to manage the recruitment process. PRI aims to provide greater support for asset owners and plans to reinforce the financial materiality of sustainability issues, preparing for COP30 and its 20th anniversary in 2026.
The organisation also intends to continue expansion into emerging markets. To support this growth, PRI plans to enhance its proposition with a refreshed digital platform. Conor Kehoe, PRI Board chair, praised Atkin's leadership, stating that it has been instrumental in advancing responsible investment practices and integrating these principles into financial systems.
Atkin extended his original four-year term by six months, serving as CEO at least through mid-2025, as he is quoted in PRI commentary from July 2025 discussing climate policy and investor responsibilities. Despite the upcoming leadership transition, PRI remains committed to its mission of working with investors to build a more sustainable global financial system.
- The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) aims to provide greater support for asset owners and plans to reinforce the financial materiality of sustainability issues, focusing on essential topics like climate policy engagement, global financial disclosure standards, and responsible investment principles, to promote sustainability, as encouraged by current CEO David Atkin.
- In its search for a new CEO, the Board-appointed committee, chaired by Sharon Hendricks, vice chair of the CalSTRS Investment Committee, will work closely with executive search firm Korn Ferry, ensuring the successor builds on the organization's achievements under Atkin's tenure, which include the development of the PRI's 2024-27 strategy, the simplification of its reporting framework, and the reorganisation of its operating model to better serve over 5,000 signatories managing assets exceeding $121trn.
