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Viola Lutz
Sustainable finance and climate change - Forbes under 30
Professional Background
Viola Lutz is a distinguished leader in the field of climate consulting and sustainability practices, currently serving as the head of the 12-person ISS ESG Climate Consulting, Methodology, and SPO team. As the Deputy Head of ISS ESG Climate Solutions, she plays a pivotal role in guiding organizations to implement effective climate strategies that align with their sustainability goals. With an impressive ability to drive innovation, Viola excels in leveraging cross-unit resources and propagating new ideas within the market, demonstrating her agility as a decision-maker in a rapidly evolving environmental landscape.
In her career, she has held several key positions at ISS ESG, notably as Executive Director and Associate Director, where she led initiatives targeting investor consulting on climate matters, further showcasing her deep commitment to integrating climate considerations into business practices. Before her tenure at ISS ESG, she contributed her expertise as a Consultant at South Pole Group and worked as a Research Analyst at the 2° Investing Initiative. Also notable is her experience at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a Capstone Consultant, where she honed her analytical skills and understanding of global environmental policies.
With a rich professional background marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, Viola Lutz stands out in the field of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) consulting. Her impressive ascent in a competitive industry has also been recognized by prestigious accolades such as being named in the Forbes 30 Under 30: European Finance list in 2020, further validating her leadership and impact on sustainable finance.
Education and Achievements
Viola Lutz's academic journey began at Landesgymnasium St. Afra, where she completed her German A-levels (Abitur). This solid foundation in education led her to further her studies at Universität St. Gallen-Hochschule für Wirtschafts-, Rechts- und Sozialwissenschaften, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics. Her pursuit of knowledge continued at Sciences Po Paris, where she completed her Master of Public Affairs (MPA) with a focus on Politics, Economics, and Business. This diverse educational background equipped her with the analytical skills and strategic thinking necessary to navigate the complexities of climate policy and finance.
Her educational foundations have played a crucial role in her professional development, particularly in her capacity to understand the interplay between economics and environmental sustainability. Viola’s ability to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively is evidenced by her experience as a public speaker, where she shares insights on sustainable finance and climate strategies with diverse audiences.
Achievements
Viola Lutz has achieved remarkable milestones throughout her professional journey, from receiving her well-deserved recognition in the Forbes 30 Under 30: European Finance in 2020 to her leadership roles in climate consulting at ISS ESG. Under her guidance, the ISS ESG Climate Consulting team has developed impactful methodologies and climate solutions that empower organizations to make informed decisions regarding their environmental impact.
In her previous positions, Viola's contributions extended to participating in high-level discussions on climate change, engaging with policy-makers, investors, and industry stakeholders to shape the future of sustainable finance. Her ability to foster collaboration and drive consensus on climate initiatives demonstrates her exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
