Buro Happold, a global practice of over 3,000 engineers and consultants, has announced the appointment of Chicago’s Jane P. Madden as Lead ESG Partner. This latest move by Buro Happold, as it expands to 12 offices in the United States, further solidifies the firm’s position as a valued resource by institutions, corporations, and public policymakers in the increasingly critical arenas of ESG, decarbonization, and sustainability planning and implementation.

A widely admired expert recognized for her work in forward-looking sustainability concepts as well as leadership in ESG (environmental, social and governance) for large enterprises, Madden has also served as a World Bank official, a lecturer for the U.S. Department of State, and an advisor to the Rocky Mountain Institute. Madden’s expertise in ESG strategy as well as international development and sustainability initiatives will lead Buro Happold’s ESG consulting team and, with U.S. Advisory Partner Simon Kaye, the fast-growing Buro Happold Advisory offering. In this way, Madden will work with C-suite and board-level executives to develop and execute strategy and measure and disclose ESG performance.

“We are very pleased to welcome Jane to the Buro Happold fold, where her expertise will contribute to greater sustainability and best practices in ESG around the world,” says Jennifer Price, US Managing Director and Partner. “Her experience will not only bring new capabilities to our clients, but also will open doors to creative solutions and breakthrough ideas in progressive public policies, important new buildings and spaces, as well as innovative organizational efforts to address decarbonization and other environmental and social goals.”

Known for her work as a results-driven, globally active executive focused on ESG policy, decision-making and optimal implementation, Madden has built on her experience as an international official and a board member for  nongovernmental organizations to drive change for global 500 companies. Her accomplished track record in implementing best in class  ESG policies and performance standards has helped companies reduce risk and optimize opportunity. Recognized widely, she has earned honors for her ESG and sustainable development work. 

“ESG represents the three pillars of effective corporate sustainability strategy and the key to improving business performance. ESG is no longer a nice-to-do, it is a must-do,” says Madden, who has advised corporations with household names around the world. “I’m excited to join Buro Happold’s interdisciplinary teams, which are building innovative strategies that help organizations and communities flourish as they ultimately enhance sustainability and the quality of life.” 

In particular, Madden sees valuable synergies by bringing together her high-level advisory  experience with Buro Happold’s policy setting and implementation capabilities including large-scale planning, engineering, operations, and construction project guidance. Creating policies, projects and processes that boost sustainability, decarbonization, and environmental and social progress worldwide, Buro Happold has completed recent  consulting efforts including climate change planning in Toronto, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Tucson. The firm has also led ESG governance consulting for Battery Park City Authority of New York, New York; strategic planning for higher education institutions including Northwestern University and the University of Southern California; and transport and mobility innovations for Ford Motors.

Buro Happold is one of the world’s leading engineering consultancies and is widely renowned for creating recognized and innovative places across the globe including New York’s High Line, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, London’s Olympic Park and Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the World Towers in Mumbai, and Jewel Changi Airport, home to the tallest indoor waterfall on the planet. The firm is active in 35-plus locations worldwide and aims to emerge as the worldwide leader in ESG consulting, creating better balance and resilience across regions for major challenges in an ever-evolving world.