Flexstone Partners Head of Sustainability Samira Boussem: 4 Things to Know

Flexstone Partners has named Samira Boussem as managing director and head of sustainability.

Here are four things to know about Boussem's experience and expertise, and Flexstone's sustainability strategy.

1. Business Scope and Scale: Flexstone has $10.1 billion in assets under management. The company provides global institutional investors with investment management and advisory services across global private markets. Flexstone, featuring roughly 55 professionals, has offices in New York, Paris, Geneva and Singapore. Parent Natixis Investment Managers has more than more than $1.1 trillion in assets under management.

2. Sustainability Strategy: Flexstone's sustainability strategy is outlined in this January 2023 PDF. In that document, the company announced plans to publish its first annual sustainability report in 2023. We don't know if the Flexstone has actually published that report as of January 2024. We're checking with the company for updates.

3. Samira Bossem's Focus and Experience: Boussem now leads Flexstone's ESG team, and is responsible for Flexstone’s sustainability strategy and associated investment approach. Her key priorities include focusing on "developing Flexstone’s in-house ESG investing framework, stewardship strategy, and product offering," the comany said.

Boussem previously was head of ESG at Flexstone's parent -- Natixis Investment Managers Solutions. While there, she was also part of a sustainable taskforce, which empowered Natixis Investment Managers to help "affiliates define their Sustainable journey (in line with the group ESG ambition)."

Boussem, based in Paris, now reports to Eric Deram, managing partner at Flexstone Partners.

4. Executive Perspectives: In a prepared statement about Boussem's new role, Managing Partner Eric Deram said: "As Flexstone’s clients continue to develop sustainable investment strategies, we are thrilled to have someone as experienced and talented as Samira leading this effort. Samira not only brings a vast breadth of knowledge in the world of sustainable investing, but also leadership experience in the asset management industry as we continue to think about new and interesting ways to integrate sustainability into our investment practices."

Boussem added: "Flexstone’s global reach presents a unique opportunity to make a positive impact and to lead on a variety of sustainability-related issues. I am excited to be working with Flexstone’s global team to drive impactful change, and to integrate the principles that both benefit our clients and also contribute to a more sustainable future for all stakeholders involved."

Head of Sustainability: Why Technology Partners Should Care

By 2027, 25% of Global 2000 companies will have assigned a chief sustainability officer (CSO) responsible for meeting their organization’s ESG goals and making ESG-related IT purchasing decisions, according to IDC.

The bottom line: Technology partners need to extend their sales, marketing, engagement and support strategies to successfully fulfill those CSO customer needs, Sustainable Tech Partner believes.