Having a robust and thoughtful Corporate Social Responsibility strategy is about understanding both how a firm makes the money it earns and how it chooses to spend it. How does the work we do with clients impact the broader environment? What changes in the world can we help influence or support by helping companies world-wide raise capital? How does Credit Suisse demonstrate its commitment to improving the global community? And how do we behave as a firm in the global markets where we operate?
This call will feature three central components of Credit Suisse’s Global Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy: Sustainability, Microfinance, and Education. Credit Suisse became the first bank to have our environmental management system certified according to ISO 14001 standards and aims to become one of the first banks to be entirely carbon neutral on a global basis by 2009. In 2007, Credit Suisse led the IPOs of Banco Compartamos and Financiera Independencia, the world’s first IPO transactions of microfinance institutions. Credit Suisse supports Corporate Citizenship initiatives such as microfinance training, climate control programs, a Partnership with the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and educational programs for students worldwide, specifically in developing countries. In fact, the Bank finances schools in developing countries and emerging markets for more than 45,000 students–one student for each Credit Suisse employee. John, Dawn, and Bella will offer an in depth perspective on how Credit Suisse supports the environment and the global society through these achievements.
About the speakers:
John Tobin is Head of Public Policy-Sustainability Affairs at Credit Suisse, where he has responsibility for environmental and social issues affecting the bank and its businesses. Prior to assuming this position, John worked in Credit Suisse’s Legal and Compliance Department in New York, where he covered the bank’s emerging markets finance business, with a focus on Latin America. Before joining Credit Suisse, he worked as a corporate lawyer at Clifford Chance and, prior to that, at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York. John graduated from Harvard University with a law degree as well as with a Ph.D. in biology, having done his thesis research on the diversity and ecology of tropical forests, and throughout his legal career he has actively pursued his interest in environmental and social issues. John currently serves on the board of directors of the Amazon Conservation Association and of the Organization for Tropical Studies, is a Fellow of the Explorers Club, and until recently sat on the Committee on International Environmental Law of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York.
Dawn Emling is Regional Head of Sustainability for Europe, Middle East and Africa for Credit Suisse. Credit Suisse regards its commitment to sustainability as a foundation for lasting economic success. By striving to achieve a balance between economic, environmental and social issues in its everyday business, it makes a positive contribution that benefits its clients, employees, the environment and society and creates long-term added value for the company. As part of her role, Ms. Emling manages Credit Suisse’s philanthropic microfinance platform.
Between 2006 - early 2008, Ms. Emling was Head of Community Investment in Asia Pacific for Credit Suisse, where she was responsible for both philanthropic and sustainability activities. Prior to joining Credit Suisse in 2006, Ms. Emling was active in the fields of international development and corporate social responsibility. Between 2001 and 2005, Ms. Emling was the Managing Director of a boutique consulting firm providing technical assistance to corporate and non profit clients in Asia. She has also worked extensively with USAID, the UNDP, non-governmental organizations, private foundations, and international corporations throughout Asia and Southern Africa. Ms. Emling graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and from The American University in Washington D.C. with a Master’s Degree in International Development.
Bella Berns is Head of Philanthropy for Credit Suisse in Europe, Middle East and Africa. She oversees corporate philanthropy, employee engagement and philanthropy services for the bank’s clients. Prior to joining Credit Suisse, Bella helped to scale the international educational organization, Room to Read, across countries in Asia and Africa as their International Development Director. The early part of her career was spent in asset management as a Vice President at Crosslink Capital investing in both the venture capital and equity markets. While assessing the growth potential of companies around the world, Bella witnessed the inequality that frequently existed between the technology industry and the communities that housed those companies; propelling her to shift focus and work towards increasing opportunities for all. Bella currently serves on the advisory boards of Room to Read UK and Change for Climate Change.
