After a distinguished 24-year tenure as Head of Environmental, Nature & Climate Risk Management at the FirstRand financial services group—spanning South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the UK—Madeleine now operates independently as a senior ESG advisor. Her transition into consulting builds on deep expertise across environmental and social risk management, carbon accounting, climate-related risks and opportunities, climate and green finance, sustainable supply chains, ESG work with SMEs, nature-related risk frameworks, sustainable development, just transition strategies, and positive impact banking and investment.
Her academic and professional foundation includes environmental science, eco-science, risk management, climate and environmental law, and extensive engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Recognized globally for her leadership in climate change, natural capital stewardship, responsible investment, and sustainable development finance, Madeleine brings a rare blend of strategic insight and operational experience across both the financial and public sectors. One of her focus areas is nature and biodiversity and her early involvement in the TNFD Task Force and continued work in nature and as a board member of Nature Finance provide the opportunity to grow and to mentor nature practitioners.
