Position summary

Aegon (operating in the US as Transamerica) is seeking a Head of Sustainability to lead its global Corporate Sustainability function, advising the Executive Committee, Board, and business unit leaders. The role defines the sustainability strategy, strengthens governance, and builds credibility with investors, regulators, customers, NGOs, and other stakeholders, evaluating the current framework and defining the future agenda across commitments, climate strategy, responsible investment, and regulatory compliance.

Why this role matters

As a global insurance and asset management group operating across the US and EU, Aegon faces complex, fast-evolving sustainability regulation and stakeholder expectations. This role sets the Group’s 2030 sustainability priorities, ensures compliance across US and EU frameworks, and serves as a senior spokesperson that shapes the company’s credibility with investors, regulators, and rating agencies.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the global sustainability strategy and three-year strategy cycle, establishing the company’s 2030 priorities and conducting an annual review of the sustainability landscape and regulatory developments.
• Lead governance and oversight including the Group-wide sustainability oversight body, with clear reporting to the Board of Directors.
• Align the agenda with Group strategy including climate-related commitments, responsible investment ambitions, and evolving US and EU regulatory expectations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with applicable US regulations and the EU CSRD, including double materiality assessment, the sustainability statement, required disclosures, and limited assurance.
• Oversee reporting and disclosure under ESRS, NAIC Climate Risk Disclosure, SEC requirements, CDP climate disclosures, and other standards.
• Maintain data governance and assurance for nonfinancial sustainability metrics, including internal controls, audit readiness, and coordination of external assurance.
• Oversee GHG measurement and reporting across Scope 1, Scope 2, operational Scope 3, and financed emissions where applicable.
• Advise the Board and executives as a strategic thought partner to the Board, Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer, Executive Committee, and business unit CEOs.
• Steward responsible investment policy by partnering with Investments and Investor Relations on guidelines, screening, engagement, and exclusion policies.
• Manage memberships and benchmarks including UN Global Compact, PSI, PRI, and Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance, and oversee submissions to MSCI, Sustainalytics, ISS, S&P Global, and CDP.
• Represent the company externally as a senior spokesperson with investors, regulators, suppliers, clients, and NGOs, and collaborate across Finance, Investments, Risk, Legal, Compliance, Corporate Affairs, and Government and Policy Affairs.

Team and stakeholders

Reporting into senior leadership within Corporate Development & Strategy, the role advises the Board of Directors, Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer, Executive Committee, and business unit CEOs, and collaborates across Finance, Investments, business operations, Risk, Legal, Compliance, Corporate Affairs, and Government and Policy Affairs, as well as external investors, regulators, and rating agencies.

Key details

This is a full-time, office-based role in New York City. Work outside regular business hours may be required to support board meetings, AGMs, governance calendars, and filings, with occasional travel (<10%). The role requires US work authorization without immigration sponsorship.

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public policy, finance, environmental science, sustainability, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in sustainability, corporate strategy, corporate affairs, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in financial services, insurance, asset management, or a related regulated industry.
• Experience operating in a global organization and leading cross-border sustainability programs, adapting global and EU-centric requirements into a US business, regulatory, and stakeholder context.
• Proven ability to balance global sustainability priorities with US regulatory, commercial, governance, and reputational requirements.
• Strong understanding of sustainability regulation and standards.
• Relevant sustainability, climate, responsible investment, or reporting certification.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in business, public policy, environmental science, finance, sustainability, or a related field.
• Experience with sustainability benchmarks, rating agencies, and submissions such as MSCI, Sustainalytics, ISS, S&P Global, and CDP.
• Experience managing sustainability memberships and signatory commitments, including UN Global Compact, PSI, PRI, and Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance.