Member Story: Jennifer Creek, Head of ESG, Ricardo plc

1. How did you get into CR&S, and why did you choose this profession?

I began my career as a Quality Control Chemist at PEBOC, formerly part of Eastman Chemical, after completing my Environmental Chemistry degrees at Bangor University. Working in manufacturing, I saw firsthand how industrial operations impacted the environment and community, which really sparked my interest in corporate sustainability.

My role naturally evolved from site environmental management into broader sustainability leadership roles. Moving from local to regional and then global ESG roles at Eastman gave me insight into how businesses can drive positive change beyond their own operations.

Now at Ricardo, I help other organisations on their sustainability journeys. It's incredibly rewarding to combine my technical background with practical business experience to drive meaningful change. Looking back, I can't imagine doing anything else - it's a field where you can make a real difference while helping businesses succeed.

2. What do you need to do your job brilliantly?

First and foremost, staying ahead of the rapidly evolving ESG landscape is crucial. I dedicate time each week to keeping up to speed with emerging regulations, frameworks, and best practices - whether it's the latest CSRD requirements or evolving ISSB standards. But it's not just about knowledge; it's about having a strategic mindset. I need to see how all the pieces fit together: how a new regulation might impact business strategy, how climate risks could affect long-term resilience, and how sustainability initiatives can drive business value.

Just as important is building strong relationships across the organisation and externally with key stakeholders and clients. In my roles at both Eastman and

Ricardo, success has always come from bringing people together. You can have the best sustainability strategy in the world, but without buy-in from finance, operations, procurement, and other key functions, it won't go anywhere. I've learned that speaking the language of different departments - whether that's ROI for finance or operational efficiency for manufacturing - is essential.

3. What are the most essential skills for working in CRS?

Technical expertise is important - you need to understand climate science, ESG strategy, materiality as well as global frameworks, and reporting standards. But what's really critical is the ability to translate complex sustainability concepts into business-relevant actions.

You need exceptional communication skills. One day you might be presenting to the board about emerging ESG disclosure regulations, the next day explaining double materiality to business leads, and then supporting clients write CDP responses that will satisfy both investors and rating agencies. Being able to adapt your message to different audiences while maintaining technical accuracy is crucial.

Project management skills are crucial too. Looking at my current role at Ricardo, I'm often juggling multiple client projects - from double materiality assessments to climate strategy development - each with different stakeholders and timelines. Being organised and able to prioritise effectively is essential.

4. What advice would you give to others on getting into CR&S?

For those looking to get into this field, I'd suggest starting with a solid environmental or sustainability qualification - my Environmental Chemistry background has served me well. But don't stop there. I'd recommend gaining experience in different business functions if possible. My journey through quality, R&D, and manufacturing roles gave me insights that I still use today when implementing sustainability initiatives.

Network actively within the sustainability community. Some of my most valuable learning has come from industry engagement in my earlier career - whether through Cefic's Program Council and Issue Teams or the WBCSD chemical cluster group. These connections not only help you stay informed but can also open up career opportunities.

Most importantly, develop your problem-solving abilities. The sustainability challenges businesses face rarely have simple solutions.

Remember that this field is constantly evolving. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, but equally what doesn’t work today, may work tomorrow!

Stay curious, be adaptable, and always be ready to learn. I started my career when sustainability was mostly about environmental compliance - now it encompasses everything from climate strategy to social impact to governance structures. The ability to grow and adapt with the field has been key to my success.

Finally, maintain your passion for making a difference while staying pragmatic about business realities. This balance has helped me drive meaningful change throughout my career, whether implementing carbon pricing strategies or developing climate adaptation tools for manufacturing sites