Companies in the energy, commodities, infrastructure, and industrial sectors are navigating one of the most complex operating environments in recent memory. Regulatory pressure around sustainability, the drive to decarbonise, and heightened stakeholder expectations are no longer peripheral issues — they are central to business continuity and long-term value.
At AP GlobalEnergy, we work across the energy value chain — including oil & gas, power & renewables, energy trading, utilities, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. What we’re seeing is clear: ESG is not just changing reporting obligations — it’s changing who gets hired, how leadership teams are built, and what skills are considered essential at the top.
ESG Is Now Core to Business Strategy
For companies operating across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, ESG is no longer a single department’s responsibility. In sectors like trading and utilities, ESG factors directly influence capital access, partnership agreements, and market entry. In large-scale infrastructure or industrial projects, ESG non-compliance can lead to reputational damage or project delays.
Key policy drivers — such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and national energy transition plans — mean that ESG risks and metrics are now built into investment decisions and contract negotiations.
Leadership teams need to respond, not just with statements, but with credible, data-driven action plans that demonstrate accountability and deliver results.
Changing Talent Priorities Across Sectors
From grid-scale renewables to commodity trading desks, companies are rethinking their hiring criteria. A solid track record in technical delivery remains important, but it must now be paired with broader skills: the ability to engage with ESG regulation, communicate with stakeholders, and integrate sustainability into day-to-day operations.
Key Roles in Demand Across Sectors:
Sustainability and ESG Strategy Leads
HSE & ESG Compliance Directors (Power, Infrastructure, Oil & Gas)
Carbon and Climate Risk Managers (Trading, Industrial, Utilities)
Transition Managers for Low-Carbon Projects and Asset Portfolios
Public Affairs and Regulatory Engagement Specialists
Skills and Experience Clients Seek:
Cross-sector knowledge of sustainability frameworks and disclosure requirements (CSRD, GHG Protocol, ISSB)
Practical experience in low-carbon project delivery, emissions reporting, and ESG risk mitigation
Ability to align ESG with P&L and long-term commercial objectives
Familiarity with supply chain transparency, responsible sourcing, and community impact
Sector Spotlight: Where ESG Is Shaping Leadership Most
Energy Trading: Carbon-related roles are growing — from carbon desk analysts to ESG risk and compliance specialists — especially where voluntary and compliance markets intersect.
Infrastructure & Industrials: Clients are seeking HSE leaders who can expand into ESG accountability, particularly on large-scale projects with complex stakeholder ecosystems.
Utilities & Power: Regulatory affairs, data disclosure, and grid decarbonisation expertise are in demand as utilities face increased scrutiny and reporting expectations.
Oil & Gas: Midstream and upstream firms are under pressure to demonstrate credible transition strategies, requiring new roles that can bridge operations and ESG reporting.
The Talent Gap Is Growing
Despite demand, there’s a limited pool of professionals who combine sector-specific experience with ESG fluency. This gap is especially evident in emerging roles where expectations are high, but job scopes are still evolving.
At AP GlobalEnergy, we’re helping clients close this gap by:
Redefining and repositioning senior roles with ESG mandates
Identifying talent in adjacent sectors such as transport, manufacturing, and tech
Mapping ESG leadership potential within existing organisational structures
How We Support Clients
We understand the regulatory, commercial, and operational complexity of the industries we serve. Our work isn’t just about filling a vacancy — it’s about identifying the right person who can lead through regulatory change, manage ESG delivery, and build credibility with investors and stakeholders.
Our services include:
Search and selection for ESG-aligned leadership, board, and specialist roles
Talent benchmarking and market intelligence across EMEA, Asia, and the Americas
Advisory on organisational structure and role definition for ESG and sustainability functions
The integration of ESG into business strategy is now a fundamental part of leadership planning. Whether you're navigating emissions compliance, restructuring an asset portfolio, or aligning with new reporting mandates, the people you hire will make the difference.
To discuss how AP GlobalEnergy can support your hiring strategy in energy, trading, infrastructure or industrials, contact us for a confidential consultation.