LONDON — Headland has hired Andy Payne to co-lead its ESG and sustainability offer alongside existing partner Tom Lawless.

Payne joins the reputation consultancy after 15 years at The Crown Estate, one of the largest landowners in the UK, where he was head of corporate affairs and responsible business. He had led the corporate affairs team since 2016 and recently developed the organisation’s 2030 net zero commitment.

Headland CEO Chris Salt said: “Andy joins us at an exciting time in our evolution. We have always worked with clients facing into complex ESG and sustainability topics, but this agenda is now a permanent filter on our advice to every client.

“Tom and the team have already built an enviable body of work advising two of the world’s largest B Corps, prominent renewable energy operators, fast-growing climate tech firms, climate NGOs and the UN refugee agency. Andy adds a wealth of experience to this team as well as deep sector knowledge in energy, real estate and infrastructure.”

Payne added: “Sustainability is about having a vision for the type of world you want to create and putting a plan in place to make it happen. It means bringing communities and business together around common purposes, inspiring action and creating new partnerships that help companies profitably solve society’s shared challenges. Headland has a great track record in this arena already, as well as the collaborative culture to provide clients with valuable, multi-stakeholder advice. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Headland recently launched its brand campaigning offer, led by former Freuds partner Jo White.