UK-based sustainability advisory agency Chronos Sustainability has appointed Gemma James as its first Regional Director of Asia, a newly created role taking effect at the end of July 2026, with James based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

As reported by Chronos Sustainability, the appointment builds on a growing portfolio of Asia-based projects including work with the World Bank in Thailand and Malaysia and the launch of a cage-free eggs initiative in India with the Global Coalition on Animal Welfare. James will lead project delivery, business development, and the company's Biodiversity and Nature services across the region.

Gemma James said: "Asia is at a pivotal moment in its sustainability journey with evolving regulatory frameworks and sustainable finance gaining momentum. The region faces acute exposure to nature and climate physical risks and it's an exciting time to be taking Chronos's experience and expertise to the region."

Rory Sullivan, CEO of Chronos Sustainability, said Asia is key to delivering meaningful improvements in sustainability performance for companies, investors, and industries globally, adding: "Attempts to improve performance in areas like climate, nature and animal welfare don't work if they are based purely on imposing Western approaches. Gemma's leadership on the ground will help our clients and partners ensure we find approaches that fit local contexts and enable transformative, global impact at scale."

Nicky Amos, Managing Director of Chronos Sustainability, said the firm was "seeing growing demand across Asia for practical, high-impact sustainability solutions," describing James as "the ideal person to support our clients and help drive Chronos' growth across Asia."

The appointment reflects a broader shift among sustainability advisory firms toward establishing permanent regional presence in Asia as corporate ESG commitments, sustainable finance frameworks, and nature-related disclosure requirements accelerate across the continent's major economies.

Explore the full details of Gemma James's appointment and Chronos Sustainability's Asia expansion in the complete announcement.