COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntington today
announced its first-ever Climate Risk Director and Environmental
Strategy & Sustainability Director. These actions reflect
stakeholder feedback and illustrate the company's increased focus
on climate and environmental related efforts.
George Gonczar was named as
Climate Risk Director, and in his expanded role he will oversee the
development and implementation of a climate risk assessment,
governance, and reporting infrastructure framework to identify
risks related to climate change and implement effective mitigation
strategies. A highly-engaged risk professional and respected
leader, Gonczar will lead the work set to integrate climate-related
insights into Huntington's decision-making and help key leaders and
clients achieve their climate-related objectives. He also will
continue to lead Huntington's Global Risk Assessment group.
Rebecca Karason was elevated from
Energy Sustainability Director to take on the corporate role of
Environmental Strategy & Sustainability Director, which
strengthens alignment with the company's ESG executive team.
Building on the journey established in 2017 to reduce Huntington's
carbon footprint, Karason will be responsible for overseeing all
environmental and climate strategies, which include developing
Huntington's carbon roadmap.
Over the next year, Huntington will evaluate the carbon
footprint of the acquired assets from its acquisition of TCF
Financial Corporation and determine how to integrate them into
legacy Huntington's carbon footprint.
"George and Rebecca bring significant expertise, leadership and
vision at a critical time in the global imperative to address the
challenges of climate change. In reviewing our own environmental
performance, we see an opportunity to play a larger role to be a
catalyst for progress on environmental sustainability," said
Steve Steinour, chairman, president
and CEO. "As a growing bank dedicated to supporting people,
businesses and communities throughout our expanded footprint, we
recognize the responsibility we have to work together to build a
more sustainable world."
Led by its purpose to make people's lives better, help
businesses thrive and strengthen the communities it serves,
Huntington is investing in its communities to address the
environmental challenges faced by under-resourced communities. The
bank recently announced a new $40
billion Strategic Community Plan which includes
programs intended to address environmental and racial equity
challenges and to help make customers more financially secure in
the future
Huntington acknowledges that climate change is a serious issue
and is committed to doing more to accelerate meaningful progress by
reducing its carbon footprint and providing guidance to clients as
they transition to a low-carbon economy. Huntington's approach to
environmental sustainability is guided by its Environmental Policy
Statement, which outlines the bank's pledge to protect the
environment, address climate change, and manage environmental
risks.
Huntington's environmental stewardship efforts align with and
support well-recognized and respected frameworks and guidance, such
as the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, World Economic Forum
agenda, and the principles of the Paris Agreement. Huntington's
Climate Risk Policy Statement aligns closely with TCFD's
Implementation Path, as well as with the U.S. Climate Finance
Working Group's best practices. More information is available
in Huntington's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Report.
About Huntington
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a $174 billion asset regional bank holding company
headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
Founded in 1866, The Huntington National Bank and its affiliates
provide consumers, small and middle-market businesses,
corporations, municipalities, and other organizations with a
comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management, and
risk management products and services. Huntington operates more
than 1,100 branches in 12 states, with certain businesses operating
in extended geographies. Visit Huntington.com for more
information.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huntington-national-bank-announces-appointment-of-climate-risk-director-and-environmental-strategy--sustainability-director-301430113.html
SOURCE Huntington Bancshares Inc.