Helvetia is newly rated "A" in sustainability by MSCI
The independent rating agency MSCI has raised Helvetia's ESG rating to "A". As Helvetia's first Chief Sustainability Officer, Kaspar Hartmann will in future "implement and further develop the Group-wide sustainability strategy with even more vigor," according to the company.
As a European financial services provider, Helvetia wants to contribute to the sustainable development of the economy and society. As part of its Sustainability Strategy 20.25, the insurance group is pursuing the ambition of being "committed and there when it matters" in the area of sustainability, in line with its corporate purpose, as it says. To this end, the insurer says it is focusing on four areas that are relevant to its stakeholders and the industry: its own business operations, customers and products, investments, and culture and governance. Helvetia lists the CO2 neutrality of its own operations since 2017, the signing of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment in 2020 and the adoption of a responsible investment strategy in 2021 as milestones already achieved.
Improved sustainability rating
These efforts are now being rewarded: The recent rating upgrade to "A" (previously "BBB") by the independent rating agency MSCI shows that the various measures implemented in the area of sustainability over the past few years are being seen as very positive. "Helvetia has thus achieved the target of an "A" ESG rating by MSCI set as part of its Sustainability Strategy 20.25 and will continue to work vigorously on sustainability aspects and drive improvements," the company writes in a statement. According to MSCI's rating system (see picture), the company's "A" rating places it in the upper midfield.
Kaspar Hartmann appointed Chief Corporate Sustainability Officer of Helvetia
Philipp Gmür, Group CEO of Helvetia, emphasizes: "Sustainability is a key success factor for our company. With our business model, we promote economic, social and ecological action and thereby deliver sustainable financial performance." The insurance company is therefore also strengthening its sustainability activities at an organizational level: Kaspar Hartmann is to become Helvetia's Chief Sustainability Officer. In this newly created function, he will implement and further develop the Group-wide sustainability strategy with even more clout. Kaspar Hartmann (46 years old) has worked for the company for 17 years in various management functions in Switzerland and abroad. Most recently, he very successfully managed the non-life business of Helvetia Austria.
Source and further information
