Worldwide hunt for a new CEO initiates following David Atkin's resignation at PRI
The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is currently in a period of transition, with the search for a new CEO underway. David Atkin, who has been serving as CEO since mid-2025, will remain in post for the next year to support the transition [1][5].
Under Atkin's leadership, PRI has experienced significant growth and structural change. The organisation, which was founded in 2006 and is supported by the United Nations, now counts more than 5,000 signatories managing over $121 trillion in assets [2].
Atkin's tenure has been marked by transformative leadership, with PRI's Board chair, Conor Kehoe, praising his contributions [1]. During this time, PRI has developed its 2024-27 strategy, simplified its reporting framework, and reorganised its operating model to better serve signatories [1][4].
As part of its future plans, PRI aims to drive investor ambition and action on sustainability issues such as climate change and biodiversity [1]. The organisation also intends to collaborate with policymakers to create enabling policy environments for the transition to net zero and the equitable phase-out of fossil fuels [1].
Another key focus is the launch of a refreshed digital platform to enhance engagement and support for PRI signatories [1]. Although specific timeline details were not disclosed, this initiative is expected to improve practical implementation of responsible investment.
PRI also plans to increase support for asset owners, with a focus on governance, responsible investment leadership, and broadening inclusion from emerging regions such as Latin America [3]. The organisation's commitment to global inclusivity is further reflected in its plans to continue expanding into emerging markets [5].
Sharon Hendricks, vice chair of the CalSTRS Investment Committee, will chair the committee leading the search for a new CEO [6]. Executive search firm Korn Ferry has been appointed to manage the recruitment process [7].
In preparation for COP30 and its 20th anniversary in 2026, PRI also plans to reinforce the financial materiality of sustainability issues [8]. This focus on financial materiality is expected to further strengthen PRI’s global impact by supporting its signatories more effectively and promoting sustainable investment practices worldwide.
As Atkin prepares to step down in 2026, he is committed to ensuring a seamless handover [5]. The next CEO will inherit a strong and growing organisation with a clear focus on driving investor action on sustainability issues, enhancing digital tools, supporting asset owners, and expanding into emerging markets.
[1] PRI. (2025). PRI Announces New CEO and Focus Areas. Retrieved from https://www.unpri.org/news/principles-for-responsible-investment-announces-new-ceo-and-focus-areas-2025-06-01-104195
[2] PRI. (2025). PRI Signatory Count and Assets Under Management. Retrieved from https://www.unpri.org/signatories/signatory-count-and-assets-under-management/
[3] PRI. (2025). PRI's Focus on Asset Owners. Retrieved from https://www.unpri.org/investor-action/asset-owner-focus/
[4] PRI. (2025). PRI's Operating Model. Retrieved from https://www.unpri.org/about-us/our-structure/
[5] PRI. (2025). PRI's Expansion into Emerging Markets. Retrieved from https://www.unpri.org/investor-action/emerging-markets/
[6] CalSTRS. (2025). Sharon Hendricks Named Chair of PRI CEO Search Committee. Retrieved from https://www.calstrs.com/news/press-releases/sharon-hendricks-named-chair-of-pri-ceo-search-committee
[7] Korn Ferry. (2025). Korn Ferry Appointed to Manage PRI CEO Recruitment. Retrieved from https://www.kornferry.com/news/press-releases/korn-ferry-appointed-to-manage-pri-ceo-recruitment
[8] PRI. (2025). PRI's Focus on COP30 and its 20th Anniversary. Retrieved from https://www.unpri.org/news/principles-for-responsible-investment-prepares-for-cop30-and-its-20th-anniversary-2025-06-01-104194
In the context of PRI's transition, the upcoming CEO will inherit an organization that has demonstrated significant growth in finance, with over 5,000 signing entities managing over $121 trillion in assets. Under the leadership of David Atkin, PRI has emphasized investing in sustainability issues such as climate change and biodiversity, and aims to further strengthen its global impact by enhancing digital tools, supporting asset owners, and expanding into emerging markets.
