Lloyds Banking Group has appointed Rebecca Heaton as director of environmental sustainability.

In her new role, Heaton will oversee the delivery of Lloyds Banking Group’s plan to achieve net zero. 

Heaton is a recognised leader in sustainability, with previous experience working across industry, policy and academia. She joins from OVO Energy where she held the role of director of sustainability. She has also made significant contributions to the UK’s decarbonisation and was a member of the UK Committee on Climate Change between 2017 and 2021. 

“This role will be central to our new strategy to support the transition to a low carbon economy. This includes creating diversified and sustainable growth and continuing to integrate environmental sustainability outcomes across our wider business priorities,” the company said in a statement.

“I’m excited by the huge opportunity to help accelerate the low carbon transition as part of Lloyds Banking Group. I’m looking forward to building momentum towards our ambitious net zero targets and further embedding environmental sustainability as part of our purpose to help Britain prosper,” said Heaton.

Heaton will report into Janet Pope, chief of staff and group director, sustainable business at Lloyds Banking Group. She will attend and support the group’s net zero committee, working closely with Charlie Nunn, group chief executive officer, and the executive committee.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr Rebecca Heaton as our new director of environmental sustainability to lead the coordination and delivery of the group’s net zero strategy. Rebecca’s energy, expertise and extensive experience of leading businesses in transition will accelerate our progress as we enter a critical phase in our journey to net zero by 2050 or sooner, and to help build a more inclusive and sustainable society,” said Nunn.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with Rebecca and adding her extensive experience to our team as we work to strengthen our overall sustainability approach and explore how we can mobilise finance to help accelerate our net zero transition,” added Pope.