The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has announced the appointment of Robin Hodess as its next CEO, starting in February 2025. With a distinguished career in strategy, governance, advocacy, and research, Hodess joins GRI during a pivotal time of heightened expectations for corporate transparency in sustainability reporting.
Currently serving as Chief of Strategy and Impact at The B Team, a nonprofit dedicated to redefining corporate leadership for the benefit of people and the planet, Hodess brings extensive expertise in driving collaborative efforts to address global challenges.
As GRI’s CEO, she will lead the implementation of the organisation’s new strategy, further solidifying its role as a global leader in sustainability reporting and advancing its position within the corporate reporting landscape.
“I am thrilled and honoured to be joining GRI at such an important moment, when people and organisations everywhere are focused on how to achieve a sustainable future. GRI’s sustainability standards are unique in enabling meaningful reporting on the impact of these efforts. I look forward to working across the GRI community, and together with partners, to ensure that sustainability reporting drives a thriving, inclusive economy for all,” said Robin Hodess.
Robin’s appointment follows an extensive global search. Cristina Gil White, who has been interim CEO since September 2024, will continue to lead GRI until Robin takes up her post.
Cristina Gil White, Interim CEO of GRI said, “I celebrate the appointment of Robin as our new CEO. She brings a unique blend of skills and experience across sectors. The team and I look forward to working alongside Robin to ensure that GRI is a springboard for change, enabling organisations to unlock the value of reporting and deliver measurable results.”
“We were impressed by Robin’s passion and ambition for GRI, as well as her understanding of the strategic imperative of organisations committing to transparency. I am delighted to welcome her leadership as we embark on the next phase in advancing GRI’s mission,” Jessica Fries, Chair of the GRI Supervisory Board.
Robin Hodess joined The B Team in 2018, initially serving as Director of Governance and Transparency. Before this, she spent nearly 18 years in senior leadership roles at Transparency International, the global anti-corruption NGO. Her tenure included director-level responsibilities for policy, advocacy, and research, culminating in her leadership of the organisation’s International Secretariat.
Earlier in her career, Robin worked as an analyst at Morgan Stanley in New York and held roles at the Center for War, Peace and New Media, as well as the Carnegie Council for Ethics and International Affairs. She has also taught courses on business and the Sustainable Development Goals at the European School of Management and Technology in Berlin.
In addition to her professional achievements, Robin serves as Chair of B Lab Germany’s Supervisory Board, a Board Member of the Open Government Partnership (USA), an Advisory Council member of Fair Share of Women Leaders (Germany), and a participant in the B20 Integrity and Compliance Taskforce.
Originally from the United States, Robin has spent most of her career in Europe and is currently based in Berlin. She holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Cambridge and earned her undergraduate degree in History from the University of Pennsylvania.
