- January 2021
Squire Patton Boggs has launched ‘Taking the Lead – Conversations to Inspire’ a series of podcasts as part of its Sustainable Business hub in which clients, leading experts and the firm’s lawyers share their insight into key environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters.
In the first podcast, Rajiv Sharma, Group Chief Executive of Coats, discusses leading the business through the COVID-19 pandemic. He explores the steps taken by the company to support its employees, their families and local communities; how it overcame the technological challenges of communicating in a time of crisis; the importance of a robust risk management and governance framework in maintaining business continuity; and the impact of the company’s culture and values on employee engagement during difficult times.
Rajiv Sharma also discusses actions taken to position the company for the recovery, including maintaining a regular dialogue with customers, its supply chain, shareholders and investors, as well as his hopes for a sustainable future.
“We applaud Coats for its vision and innovation in extraordinary times and are delighted to partner with the company on this sustainability podcast,” commented Caroline Noblet, leader of the Squire Patton Boggs ESG Group. “Rajiv’s insight into Coats’ journey through the pandemic is fascinating and thought-provoking. How companies approach social responsibility and sustainability issues in the face of monumental challenge is not just a matter of reputational importance but is becoming increasingly material as society looks to “build back better” in an uncertain post-COVID-19 world. The way in which Coats has responded to the pandemic and the challenges that lie beyond show that it is very much at the vanguard of sustainability, well-placed to seize opportunities from the recovery.”
Stephen Mahon, the firm’s global managing partner, clients and strategy, said: “The business case is compelling; when companies embed into their strategy a long term focus that takes into account environmental, social and governance factors, it makes them more resilient and yields better financial results. With a dedicated global cross-practice ESG group, connected to both policymakers and institutional investors, we are committed to providing solutions to our clients, both in addressing risks and opportunities within the ESG framework.”
The Squire Patton Boggs ESG Group provides services covering all stages of the business and investment cycle and includes supporting clients on issues around the Green Agenda and climate change, public policy advocacy, corporate and HR policies, mergers, acquisitions and business collaborations, pension plans and other institutional investors.
“Taking the Lead – Conversations to Inspire” is available via the Squire Patton Boggs Sustainable Business hub.
