Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance (ESG)

Prof. Christian Kroll, PhD is a professor of sustainability, much-cited expert and advisor. He authored scientific publications in leading outlets spanning several disciplines (e.g. Cambridge University Press, Ecological Economics).

Prof. Kroll lectures on sustainable development, sustainable finance (ESG), circular economy, and corporate social responsibility at IU International University of Applied Sciences (the largest in Germany). He previously taught classes at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he also gained his PhD, as well as at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin. Prof. Kroll is the inventor of the first measurement tool for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and today serves as the Scientific Co-Director of the SDG Index & Dashboards (www.sdgindex.org).

His publications (which include a foreword by Kofi Annan) featured in the media worldwide, such as CNN, BBC World News, Harvard Business Review, Washington Post, Le Monde, Die Zeit, ARD, Spiegel Online among others. The World Economic Forum has honoured him as a Young Global Leader for his achievements.

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact, providing storytelling, partnership creation and visibility to corporations, NGOs and social enterprises. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships. Susan has 25+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sustainability communications, speaking regularly at industry events including Inspirefest/Dublin, BSR, Center for Corporate Citizenship's Annual Summit, DLD and Techonomy., and contributing to the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes. She has appeared on NPR, CNN, USA Today, The New Yorker, New York Magazine and the Los Angeles Times.

Currently, Susan invests in, and advises women-led technology start-ups, including: iFundWomen, Inc., Messy.fm, Our Place, The Riveter, Park Place Payments, Hint Water, Apolitical, Arlo Skye, Giapenta and The Muse. She serves on the boards of USA for UNHCR, The 19th News, and the Lower Eastside Girls Club, and serves on the advisory board of both The List and Alltruists. Additionally, she is a member of the MIT Solve Women and Technology Leadership Group and serves as an adviser to several nonprofits, including Girls Who Code, She’s The First, and The OpEd Project. Susan is a Vital Voices global corporate ambassador and has received numerous accolades for her voice on social media platforms from Fortune Magazine, Fast Company and Elle Magazine. She resides in Brooklyn.