ESG

Executive Insights: How AIB achieved ESG success

By Business & Finance
31 March 2023

Executive Insights, in association with KPMG, is an in-conversation content series featuring thought leaders from across the Irish business community. The series explores business strategy and how to navigate the current climate. 


The latest instalment of Executive Insights features Mary Whitelaw, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, AIB, in conversation with Patrick Farrell, Partner, KPMG. This episode of Executive Insights is available as a podcast.

AIB was the recent winner of the Business & Finance ESG Award 2022, having also been the recipient in 2021.

The judges cited their commitment to climate action as a key factor in their selection.

“AIB have made Climate Action their most urgent responsibility and have set targets for carbon neutrality by 2030. They robustly support green business practices and have delivered €6 billion in green finance since 2019,” the judges said.

The award was presented by Imelda Hurley on the night and was accepted by Pat Horgan of AIB.

AIB’s Mary White discusses the company’s win, the core business strategies behind AIB’s success, and AIB’s proudest moments of ESG successes. Mary also gives advice on starting out on this journey, the issues facing the financial services sector when it comes to the ESG matters and how Ireland INC has performed on the ESG agenda over recent years.

Watch the latest episode of Executive Insights below

Mary Whitelaw

Mary Whitelaw has been with AIB since October 2007. She has operated as the group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer since July 2022 and is an Executive Committee member with responsibility for Sustainability, Marketing and Corporate Affairs. She is also Chair of the Group Sustainability Committee.

Patrick Farrell

Patrick Farrell is a partner in KPMG’s Risk Consulting practice. He has over 18 years’ experience working with clients across a broad range of sectors, advising them on appropriate governance, risk, regulatory compliance and control structures. He is also responsible for a wide range of consulting and assurance related services.


Previous Executive Insights:

How Ornua made Kerrygold a billion dollar brand

John Goulding, Founder & CEO, Workvivo 

Melíosa O’Caoimh, Country Head, Northern Trust Ireland