_Meet Jenine Cranston, Head of ESG, Australia

What is your current role?
JC: I recently joined Knight Frank Australia as Partner, Head of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). It’s a hugely diverse and interesting role, with the potential to have influence over virtually all parts of our business and importantly, a real impact on our client’s businesses.

As a long-term property professional, I bring a generalist approach to sustainability, advising our clients on meaningful ESG strategies to enhance their investment decisions. I see there is value in demystifying the technical elements of sustainability and ensuring our clients are clear on the why, the what and the how of investment in ESG strategies.

What inspired you to get interested in ESG?
JC: ESG is at the intersection of three things; what I’m deeply committed to, what my strengths are and what’s needed in the world.

I’ve been a sustainability advocate for decades, both personally and professionally. After a short career break during COVID-19 and following the 2019-2020 bushfire and flood crisis, my thoughts crystalised a desire to move into a role which drove critical changes to the way we do business for the sake of the planet.

Add to this the desire of working with great people in a supportive and inclusive environment with genuine leadership commitment to ESG.

How do you contribute to a sustainable future?
JC: Having spent 30 years in the transactional side of commercial property, I am wired to make things happen and I see ESG in the same way. Making a career change was about making a real impact in the next decade, said to be one of the most consequential in history.