ESG is often associated with metrics, reports, and commitments. But at Simon-Kucher, ESG is much more than that. It is increasingly shaping how we work, make decisions, and show up as a trusted partner and employer.
We spoke to Anne Rupp, our Global Head of ESG, about what ESG really looks like in practice, what motivates her personally, and how small actions across teams add up to meaningful impact.
Anne, what motivated you to take on the role of Head of ESG at Simon-Kucher?
Anne: Before I stepped into my current role, Simon-Kucher had already built a foundation for ESG through a voluntary committee. I found it incredibly motivating to build on such a great starting point and help establish a formal ESG department.
The international dimension of the role has been equally inspiring. Working across different regions, cultures, and perspectives is both challenging and rewarding. It’s fascinating to see how shared ESG ambitions are interpreted and brought to life in different ways around the world.
The consulting environment itself was another major draw. I’ve always enjoyed working on topics that connect business strategy with long-term impact, and ESG provides exactly that opportunity. Being able to collaborate with colleagues and clients across industries and regions makes the role especially dynamic.
There are a variety of stakeholders involved, from clients and colleagues across all functions to nonprofits, rating agencies, and other external partners. ESG touches on a wide range of topics, and engaging with different perspectives helps ensure that we address them in a meaningful and holistic way.
What makes ESG a vital part of Simon-Kucher's business today, and how does this influence the work you do?
Anne: ESG is a clear expectation of our stakeholders, including our clients and our current and future employees.
We see that ESG increasingly shapes our clients’ commercial decisions, particularly around pricing and growth, and influences how they select their partners. For me, this means that ESG is not something separate from our core business. It directly impacts the way we think about value creation and how we work with our clients on a day-to-day basis.
As an employer, ESG is equally important to us. Our people expect clear values, transparency, and responsible leadership, which is why embedding ESG consistently across the firm is key to building trust and long-term engagement. It shapes how we work together and the kind of environment we want to create.
Ultimately, understanding these expectations helps us continuously refine our ESG approach and define the areas where we can create the greatest impact. This is also reflected in our materiality assessment and our annual ESG Report, which we have further evolved this year to align more closely with stakeholder priorities and our business strategy.
How is ESG embedded across Simon-Kucher so that it infuses every aspect of your operations?
Anne: ESG is anchored across all levels of the firm and brought to life by both management and employees. While there is a clear structure at the global level, what really makes the difference is how ESG is implemented in everyday work.
At the leadership level, our CEOs hold overall responsibility for ESG decision-making and oversight. I lead the global ESG department and serve on the Better Business Council, which anchors ESG topics at the partner level and drives alignment across divisions.
What truly brings ESG to life at the local level are our ESG Captains. They act as multipliers in our offices worldwide, translating our global ESG strategy into concrete actions on the ground (Christopher, Ryan, and Mary have shared more about their experiences as ESG Captains.)
Can you share a concrete ESG initiative at Simon-Kucher that you’re particularly proud of and the impact it has had so far?
Anne: One initiative that stands out to me is our annual Impact Week, when colleagues across the firm come together to create a positive impact on their local communities. At the heart of it are the initiatives driven by our ESG Captains, who organize local volunteering events, donation drives, and awareness activities in their offices, from river clean-ups, charity runs, and food shelter support to social startup mentoring and discussions around our ESG Report.
In parallel, we host global webinars, for example on our pro bono work and partnerships with NGOs like UNICEF or WWF, where our teams actively contribute their expertise. We also address environmental topics, such as our Corporate Carbon Footprint, and how everyone can play a role in achieving our science-based emission reduction targets, whether it’s taking the train instead of flying, biking to work, or being more mindful about how we use resources in the office.
What makes our Impact Week so special is that it brings together all dimensions of ESG and makes them tangible. It shows the many ways of contributing, whether through hands-on initiatives, sharing knowledge, or simply making more conscious choices in everyday work. It’s incredibly motivating to see the energy and enthusiasm with which colleagues from around the world engage around a shared purpose. While Impact Week is a key event, all of these initiatives are part of how ESG is embodied at Simon-Kucher, showing that together we can create meaningful impact.
What’s one small habit you’ve changed in your own daily life that reflects your work in ESG?
Anne: More than one specific habit, what has changed most for me is the awareness with which I approach everyday situations. Whether it’s choosing the train, planning meetings more intentionally, or simply questioning day-to-day routines, I’ve become more conscious of how even small decisions can make a difference over time.
Seeing the engagement of our ESG Captains and colleagues across the firm really shows how individual actions can inspire positive change, especially when they become part of a broader mindset, as many of the examples in our ESG Report illustrate.
If readers take one thing away from our new ESG Report, what would you want it to be?
Anne: What the new ESG Report really shows is that at Simon-Kucher, ESG is fully embedded in how we work and make decisions. Ultimately, we can achieve our targets only together, as one team.
If you’d like to learn more, you can find the full ESG Report here.
