Creative Writing
Ejiro Gray
Sustainability Professional
Ikoyi, Lagos,LA
Summary
Corporate governance and sustainability professional with experience and a proven track record in Organizational Sustainability and ESG implementation, Corporate Governance, Strategic People Management, and General Management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Governance & Sustainability
Sahara Group
03.2022 - Current
- Developed and operationalized a Sustainability & ESG strategy and Energy Transition Plan across business sectors to address key sustainability risks and drive ESG targets and reporting
- Developed and led implementing a communications strategy for business sectors on the organization’s sustainability strategy and goals.
- Reinforced and integrated corporate governance frameworks across a multi-jurisdictional business landscape.
- Established thought leadership and led corporate participation in advocacy initiatives to drive brand visibility and alignment on sustainability and ESG issues.
- Enhanced employee engagement in internal sustainability initiatives through continuous training programs and employee volunteer schemes.
- Developed metrics-driven reports to track the success of implemented sustainability initiatives across the organization.
- Increased internal and external stakeholder buy-in by effectively communicating the sustainability efforts and goals.
- Established partnerships with organizations, fostering collaboration on sustainability goals and initiatives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate sustainability and ESG principles into daily operations and business performance monitoring.
- Modified existing policies and developed new policies to drive the integration of corporate governance and sustainability goals and objectives.
- Developed and implemented key social impact programmes driven by the UN sustainable development goals, leading to external recognition and awards for the corporate Foundation.
- Led the organization-wide baseline emissions assessment with environmental sustainability experts and the implementation of monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
- Orchestrated the development of customized ESG reporting and monitoring dashboards and data bank in collaboration with the business innovation team.
- Developed frameworks for internal ESG Materiality Risk Assessments.
- Successfully managed budgets and resources to maximize productivity and impact of projects and initiatives.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts as an ESG imperative across the organization.
- Implemented innovative communications strategies that boosted brand awareness and the corporate responsibility profile of the organization.
Group Company Secretary and Chief of Staff
Sahara Group
06.2014 - 02.2022
- Developed the Company Secretariat structure with responsibility for cross-sectoral businesses within the Sahara Group
- Prepared of annual reports from a corporate governance compliance perspective, particularly the directors’ reports and corporate governance reports
- Provided a strong link between the Board and Management, independently identifying and addressing issues proactively with recommendations, input, or resolution as needed
- Played a pivotal role in providing Corporate Governance and Regulatory Compliance Advice to the Board
- Provided advisory on the impact, interpretation, and implementation of policies, procedures and changes to regulatory landscape to all businesses within the Group
- Developed strategies to positively impact organizational culture and translate the strategies into the organization’s policies and practices.
- Development of a talent succession plan through the design and implementation of graduate trainee programs
- Improved efficiency in multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance by implementing systems and processes for tracking compliance.
- Enhanced corporate governance by implementing efficient board operating procedures and practices.
- Mitigated potential compliance risks through due diligence supporting business transactions, investments, and divestment.
- Facilitated efficient collaboration among board members and between board and management teams by coordinating meeting schedules, agendas, and documentation.
- Organized and executed in-house training sessions on changes in regulatory and company policies, reinforcing compliance.
- Developed a centralized document repository and internal standards/ processes to minimize regulatory compliance risk exposure.
Corporate Governance & Secretariat Executive
Sahara Group
06.2009 - 06.2014
- Regulatory Compliance Audit, Coordination and Monitoring across global operations
- Corporate Governance and Regulatory Compliance Risk Advisory
- Development internal branding strategy to drive internal communication projects, brand and cultural enhancement activities
- Development of policies and awareness creation of Corporate Governance in the organization.
Corporate Development Executive
Sahara Group
05.2008 - 05.2009
- Bid construction and planning for acquisition of preferred stakes in energy projects
- Developed internal branding strategy to drive internal communication projects, brand and cultural enhancement activities
- Speech writing, development of PowerPoint presentations, position papers and seminar papers local and international conferences
- Developed proposals for partnering with key stakeholders towards the execution of key projects in the energy industry
Graduate Management Trainee Program
Sahara Group
11.2007 - 04.2008
- A six-month internship designed for young graduates with development potential, in order to develop key and transferable management and business skills.
National Youth Service Corps
British American Tobacco Limited
01.2006 - 02.2007
Education
The Governance Institute (UK)
01.2011 -
B.L (Law) - undefined
Nigerian Law School Lagos
01.2005 - undefined
LL.B (Law) - undefined
University of Ibadan
01.2004 - undefined
Skills
- Project Coordination & Management
- Operations Management
- Partnerships and Alliances
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Non-profit management
- Effective Communication
- Organizational Skills
- People Management
- Business Strategy
Personal Development
- Sustainability & ESG Designation (GCB.D) Certification, 2024
- Leading Sustainable Corporations, University of Oxford, Said Business School, 2022
- Strategic Human Resource Management, University of Cape Town, 2021
- Strategies that Build Winning Brands, Kellogg School of Mgt, Executive Training, 2020
- Corporate Governance for Lawyers, UK, 2014
- Strategies for Optimizing Corporate Communications, Lagos, 2012
- The Governance Institute, UK, 2011
- Company Secretarial Practice Training, Lagos, 2010
- Corporate Governance Master Class, Dubai, 2009
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Foundation Course, 2008
References
Available upon request
Accomplishments
Developed comprehensive ESG Strategy and Energy Transition Plans for five business entities cutting across the energy sector.
Led the development and implementation of strategic social impact projects as a critical driver for SDG alignment and accomplishments. This facilitated positive brand associations and goodwill for the corporate foundation and business.
Hajiya Gambo Sawaba Community Impact Award 2023 Community Engagement and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards Africa, by CSR-in-Action Advocacy
Forged crucial partnerships, uniting with like-minded entities in our shared pursuit of corporate sustainability goals and objectives.
Implemented frameworks and systems for environmental stewardship in emissions reduction and resource efficiency.
Developed and implemented communications strategies for enhanced brand equity and visibility in the sustainability landscape.
Affiliations
The Governance Institute, UK (ACIS)
Sustainability & ESG Designation (GCB.D) and Certification
Nigerian Conservation Foundation
Nigerian Bar Association
Women in Energy Network
Certification
ACIS (Chartered Secretary)
Interests
Environmental Conservation
Social Impact
Public Speaking
Timeline
Director, Governance & Sustainability
Sahara Group
03.2022 - Current
Group Company Secretary and Chief of Staff
Sahara Group
06.2014 - 02.2022
ACIS (Chartered Secretary)
05-2011
The Governance Institute (UK)
01.2011 -
Corporate Governance & Secretariat Executive
Sahara Group
06.2009 - 06.2014
Corporate Development Executive
Sahara Group
05.2008 - 05.2009
Graduate Management Trainee Program
Sahara Group
11.2007 - 04.2008
National Youth Service Corps
British American Tobacco Limited
01.2006 - 02.2007
B.L (Law) - undefined
Nigerian Law School Lagos
01.2005 - undefined
LL.B (Law) - undefined
University of Ibadan
01.2004 - undefined
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