SINGAPORE — Weber Shandwick has hired Marianne Lamonin as EVP of social impact and sustainability, a newly-created role that aims to drive the firm's ESG capabilities in Asia-Pacific.

Based in Singapore, Lamonin will report to Vanessa Ho Nikolovski, chief client and growth officer for Asia-Pacific. Her arrival follows the departure of Lydia Lee, who previously oversaw the agency's regional sustainability offering.

She brings more than 15 years of relevant experience to the position, including work for the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, EDF and the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership.

“Sustainability is a critical strategic business imperative today, and many of our clients across the Asia Pacific, both multinationals and Asian-domiciled companies, recognise the pressing need to communicate their purpose-led commitments and targets to stakeholders,” said Tyler Kim, chief executive officer, Weber Shandwick Asia Pacific.

“Marianne has immersed herself in climate, sustainability and consulting for almost two decades bringing deep knowledge and experience that will extend our global strengths in this space to Asia, where transformation and impact is key.”

Led by social impact and sustainability global lead Paul Massey, Weber Shandwick’s global sustainability practice features a cross-disciplinary team of specialists focused on purpose and ESG strategy, including expertise in corporate reputation, public affairs, employee engagement and consumer marketing. 

“Deep decarbonisation is as much a global concern, necessary to address the climate change challenge, as a local one, with direct impact on national economies as well as people’s livelihoods,” commented Lamonin.  “With nearly two-thirds of the world’s population, the Asia Pacific region has a multitude of diverse perspectives and realities critical to tackling the many transitions the world is facing.”