Message from Outside Member: Aditi Mohapatra

One of the most critical elements for the success of a corporate sustainability program is the commitment of the senior leadership team. An effective strategy requires the genuine engagement of decision makers and a willingness to tackle big challenges that go to the heart of the business. The structure of Recruit Group's sustainability framework, including the active involvement of the CEO, SBU Heads, and additional key executives, is an impressive example of the prioritization of integrated sustainability strategies for a global organization.

Another key element for success is the involvement of a diverse range of independent expert advisors to assess and make recommendations based on their experience at the forefront of sustainability. Here again, Recruit Group is leading by exampleーI have seen how external advice received in one committee meeting has been taken on board and progressed by the time of the next.

The incorporation of international frameworks and guidelines, with a core focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, links Recruit Group's efforts with the wider global push to achieve some critically important targets in the next ten years. Recruit Group clearly understands that sustainable growth is not just essential for a business, but is their duty as a corporate citizen.

The businesses in HR Technology, Media & Solutions and Staffing segments are all experiencing significant disruption, but seeing the way in which the company is proactively examining sustainability challenges, considering its role in society, and working to develop solutions is impressive. Whether it be diversity and inclusion, or potential biases in AI technologies, strong efforts are being made to tackle issues for which there may yet be no clear answer.

Moving forward, I would encourage Recruit Group to continue to be ambitious in its approach to sustainability and to demonstrate leadership in this field.

October 1, 2019