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Head of Sustainability

Transamerica • United States • Added on Sep 23, 2026
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As the Head of Sustainability, you will take the helm of Transamerica’s global corporate sustainability function, reporting directly to the Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer. You are responsible for architecting the company’s 2030 priorities, navigating complex US and EU regulatory environments, and translating sustainability data into high-level business strategy. This is a leadership role that balances technical compliance with high-stakes executive advisory.

In the heavily regulated world of insurance and asset management, your work is the linchpin for institutional credibility. By aligning responsible investment ambitions with emerging climate commitments, you directly influence how billions of dollars are managed to support a more resilient future. You will turn regulatory requirements into a competitive advantage, ensuring the company meets the high expectations of global investors and international standard-setters.

This suits someone who is a seasoned strategist with deep roots in financial services and the gravitas to influence board-level decisions. You should excel at bridging the gap between technical ESG disclosures and broad corporate vision.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

You will be the primary architect of the global sustainability strategy, overseeing a three-year cycle that establishes the company's 2030 sustainability priorities. This involves leading the group-wide oversight body and delivering regular, high-stakes reporting to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. A significant portion of your remit involves ensuring regulatory compliance across disparate jurisdictions, notably the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in Europe and evolving SEC or NAIC requirements in the United States. You will also manage the governance of non-financial metrics, ensuring all sustainability data is audit-ready and validated for external assurance.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers a rare vantage point at the intersection of transatlantic ESG regulation. You will gain deep expertise in operationalizing the European CSRD within a major U.S.-based organization, a skill set currently in extremely high demand. Additionally, you will refine your knowledge of financed emissions and responsible investment frameworks, working alongside global signatory groups like the Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance. The exposure to executive-level decision-making and board governance provides a masterclass in corporate diplomacy and strategic leadership.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings over 15 years of experience in corporate strategy or sustainability, with a mandatory minimum of three years specifically within the financial services or insurance sector. A background in managing cross-border sustainability programs is essential given the company's ties to its Dutch parent company, Aegon. You should possess advanced technical knowledge of global reporting standards (ESRS, SEC, CDP) and hold relevant certifications in climate risk or responsible investment. Beyond technical prowess, you need the executive presence to act as a senior spokesperson for investors and regulators alike.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to harmonize commercial objectives with ESG mandates. Transamerica is looking for a leader who doesn't just treat sustainability as a compliance checklist but as a core component of long-term business strategy. Ensure your application highlights specific instances where you have successfully navigated US-EU regulatory friction. Tailoring your resume to show familiarity with both local NAIC standards and broader international frameworks like the UN Global Compact will signal that you can hit the ground running in this complex global environment.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on responsible investment and climate risk. Given Transamerica's business model, integrating ESG factors into asset management and insurance underwriting is a primary lever for impact. You will also lead the company's journey toward decarbonization, specifically focusing on Scope 3 financed emissions. Social impact is also a key pillar, channeled through the Aegon Transamerica Foundation and initiatives centered on financial inclusion and the implications of increased longevity.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be the alignment of global standards within a U.S. commercial context. Balancing the rigorous ESG expectations of a European parent company with the specific regulatory and political climate of the U.S. insurance market requires significant nuance. Furthermore, the complexity of data governance for non-financial metrics remains a hurdle. You will need to build strong internal controls and audit-ready systems that can withstand the scrutiny of external assurance providers while keeping various business units engaged and accountable.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

Your day might begin with a briefing for the Board of Directors on emerging climate risk disclosures, followed by a collaborative session with the Finance and Legal teams to review progress on the double materiality assessment. Afternoons are often dedicated to stakeholder engagement, which could range from meeting with institutional investors to discussing responsible investment policy shifts with the Chief Investment Officer. You will likely spend time reviewing data management tools to ensure that the reporting cycle remains on track and compliant.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As a high-visibility executive role, the potential for professional influence is immense. Success in this position places you at the very top of the sustainability profession, potentially leading to Chief Sustainability Officer roles within the broader Aegon group or other global financial giants. You will also have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects that redefine the company's market position, such as launching new sustainable investment products or pioneering industry-wide standards through signatory commitments.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer and members of the Executive Committee. Your internal network spans across Finance, Risk, Compliance, and the Chief Executive Officers of various business units. Externally, you are the face of the company for investors, regulators, and rating agencies such as MSCI and Sustainalytics. You will also collaborate with NGOs and global industry bodies like the Principles for Responsible Investment to ensure Transamerica remains at the forefront of sustainable finance.

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