Haymarket appoints Laura Haynes

Haymarket has announced that it has welcomed Laura Haynes to its Global Impact Board. As a senior advisor for ethical leadership, Laura has held a number of chair and non-executive director roles including: chair of UN Women National Committee UK; director of FutureLondon Enterprises; member of the Parliamentary Design Commission and fellow at the Royal Society of Arts and the Marketing Society.

Haymarket’s Global Impact Board was established in March 2023 as part of the company’s renewed and accelerated ESG framework. Chaired by Kevin Costello, global chief executive at Haymarket, the Board is responsible for ensuring the business is working to the highest standards when it comes to Haymarket’s sustainability agenda. The Global Impact Board is accountable for ensuring Haymarket’s Impact strategy is delivered and action is underway, added the publisher.

Since launching Haymarket Impact, the business says it has been working hard to effectively accelerate its ESG framework and stay true to its new Purpose: Shaping a better future with remarkable content. Haymarket’s Impact agenda aligns itself closely with four of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) where the business feels it can make the most impact right now: 4. Quality Education, 5. Gender Equality, 13. Climate Action and 17. Partnerships for the Goals.

Speaking about the appointment, Laura said: “Haymarket is an excellent organisation and I am impressed by the bold and challenging goals that it has set itself as part of its impact strategy. I agree with the alignment with the UN SDGs which helps to put its work into a more global perspective. The establishment of clear measurement and reporting demonstrates further commitment to ensuring a positive impact and the desire for strong governance, to build an even better business, doing the right things, in the right way.

“I have worked with many companies trying to achieve results in this way and I know that it is not easy. But, the commitment that I am already seeing from Kevin and the Global Impact Board, makes it clear that they are serious, that their ambitions are big and that they are determined. I look forward to working with the team and am delighted to be part of this important work.”

Kevin Costello, global chief executive at Haymarket added: “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Laura to Haymarket’s Global Impact Board. Her wealth of knowledge and experience globally on being a socially responsible and sustainable business means Laura brings an effective and meaningful skillset, on an international scale.

“It’s crucial that for the success of Impact that we have that outside in view. I have long admired the work of Laura and the contribution and conversations already underway are demonstrating her valued involvement. Impact is still only in its infancy but I can’t believe how much has already been achieved. I look forward to all that’s to come with Laura and the positive impact she can help us achieve.”

Haymarket Impact says Laura developed the approach of building sustainability in every organisation through ‘Business, on Purpose’, and is a passionate advocate of the power of the brand. Laura is Haymarket’s second external appointment to its Global Impact Board, joining David Ellis, founder and CEO of sustainability consultancy, Maikai.

Laura recently appeared as a guest on Haymarket’s new podcast, Impact Talks as part of its Earth Day special coverage.