Aviva hires Barclays’ Eskell for nature role

Hannah Eskell has joined Aviva as senior nature manager to work on nature-related initiatives at the group and expand the role finance can play in tackling environmental challenges.

Previously vice president for nature policy and strategy at Barclays, Eskell has over 12 years’ experience in sustainable finance.

At Aviva, Eskell will work closely with Thomas Viegas, group nature lead, and Ana Hamilton, nature manager. The team will continue driving the implementation of its group-wide Nature Strategic Framework, as outlined in its recent transition plan. The focus will be on deepening Aviva’s understanding of its interface with nature, identifying priority areas, and taking action to support nature-positive outcomes and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the group said.

See also: Just nature: Building a just and inclusive future

Leah Ramoutar, director of environmental sustainability at Aviva, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hannah Eskell to Aviva’s Environmental Centre of Excellence – part of group sustainability – as our new senior nature manager. Hannah brings extensive expertise from her previous role as vice president, nature policy and strategy at Barclays, where she played a key role in integrating nature-related considerations into strategy, risk management and client engagement.”

On LinkedIn, Eskell added: “I’ll be drawing on my experience across nature and finance to support Aviva’s work on nature-related initiatives and contribute to a more sustainable future. I’m passionate about the role finance can play in supporting nature and tackling environmental challenges, and I am looking forward to working with such an inspiring and committed team. I can’t wait to reconnect with existing partners and forge new relationships with others working in the intersection of sustainability, biodiversity, and finance.”