NEW YORK — Edelman is continuing to build out its new ESG offering, appointing Heidi DuBois as head of the practice in the US.

In the newly created role, DuBois, who joins from the Society for Corporate Governance, will lead the development of the advisory offering, with a focus on helping companies build and communicate ESG strategies to their investors — and helping investment firms build and communicate ESG programs of their own.

DuBois’ hiring follows the July appointment of Chuka Umunna, a former UK member of parliament and shadow business secretary, as head of the ESG program for EMEA.

In announcing DuBois’ appointment, Edelman said that she and Umunna bring to the practice significant experience advising organizations’ boards and leaders on ESG strategy, engagement and communications.

Before joining Edelman, DuBois served as ESG director for the Society for Corporate Governance, where she worked with general counsels, board members and sustainability leaders on ESG programs. Previously, DuBois oversaw the corporate social responsibility and philanthropic functions for BNY Mellon, and before that held a similar role at PepsiCo.

From 2010-2019, Umunna served in UK Parliament including as shadow business secretary and in other senior posts leading on economic, business, trade and foreign policy issues on the opposition benches.

The ESG consulting service was created as a complement to Edelman’s longstanding purpose offering.

“Every CEO and Board in the US is thinking about their ESG strategy and disclosure,” said Lex Suvanto, Edelman’s global managing director of financial communications. “Heidi and Chuka will advance Edelman’s leadership in ESG advisory and communications support for our clients. Heidi and Chuka bring decades of ESG and sustainability experience, technical knowledge and a passion for helping Boards and leadership teams develop ESG strategies that reinforce business objectives and drive long-term financial performance.”