Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Skills (Continued)
Professional Highlights
Technical Skills
Publications
Certification
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Niko Santos

Makati

Summary

Transformational ESG & Sustainability Leader | AI Ethics Pioneer | Executive Leader


Dynamic ESG and Sustainability executive with 18+ yearsof progressive leadership experience, currently driving responsible innovation as Chief Sustainability Officer for an AI-driven technology venture and Partner/Head of Fact Checking for an emerging media startup. Uniquely positioned at the intersection of traditional ESG expertise and cutting-edge technology ethics, with a proven track record of scaling research operations that contributed to sustainable growth in MSCI’s ESG business.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chief Sustainability Officer

Sage Dynamics
01.2025 - Current

Executive ESG Leadership for AI-Driven Business Process Optimization Technology


Key Achievements:

  • Pioneered company's inaugural sustainability strategy, establishing it as early leader in ethical AI development within business process optimization sector
  • Developed comprehensive energy optimization initiatives projected to reduce IT infrastructure costs by 30% through strategic adoption of energy-efficient cloud computing and infrastructure optimization protocols
  • Crafted a responsible data sourcing policy framework aimed at significantly increasing regulatory compliance and stakeholder trust, directly contributing to successful pilot enterprise customer acquisitions


Core Responsibilities:

  • Designed and operationalized comprehensive sustainability strategy integrating ethical AI principles, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility into business operations and product development
  • Developed frameworks for responsible AI use ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with existing and emergent regulatory standards in Philippines and internationally
  • Established KPIs and reporting mechanisms for ESG performance, facilitating transparent communication with investors, partners, and enterprise clients
  • Led cross-functional collaboration with technical and data science teams to minimize environmental footprint across AI model training, data center energy consumption, and digital infrastructure
  • Spearheaded internal education sessions and created comprehensive guidelines on sustainable AI development practices

Partner and Head of Fact Checking Division

Project Audience Centricity
10.2024 - Current

Early-stage startup focused on evaluating the accuracy of corporate press releases


Key Achievements:

  • Developed end-to-end methodologies and processes for assessing factual integrity of press releases from companies spanning various industries
  • Built and managed specialized fact-checking team, establishing robust quality control protocols to ensure reliable and unbiased output
  • Produced high-impact reporting templates and accuracy assessment metrics adopted across division operations
  • Facilitated training and workflow optimization initiatives resulting in improved operational efficiency


Core Responsibilities:

  • Collaborated cross-functionally with project leads and technical teams to evolve service offerings and adapt to client needs
  • Oversaw division operations including workflow optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Established methodological frameworks for press release accuracy assessment across multiple industry sectors
  • Developed quality assurance protocols ensuring consistent and unbiased fact-checking output

ESG Senior Climate Research Specialist

MSCI INC.
07.2022 - 04.2024

Climate Change Mitigation Performance Assessment


Key Achievements:

  • Conducted climate assessments for 10,000+ publicly traded companies and fixed income issuers using IPCC, UNFCCC, and TCFD frameworks
  • Maintained 100% compliance with team timeliness and quality goals through rigorous QA processes
  • Specialized in Materials, Industrials, and low-carbon intensive industries covering diverse market cap categories
  • Resolved 95%+ client queries within SLA, contributing to industry-leading client satisfaction ratings
  • Enhanced operational efficiency by 30% through systematic updates to industry-specific guidance


Core Responsibilities:

  • Analyzed emissions, energy consumption metrics, and reduction policies across global portfolios
  • Coordinated with subject matter experts to maintain industry-specific guidance and processes
  • Verified climate research data through direct issuer communication and stakeholder engagement

ESG Senior Carbon Targets Research Specialist

MSCI INC.
07.2022 - 04.2024

Emission Reduction Targets Assessment


Key Achievements:

  • Analyzed carbon reduction targets for 10,000+ entity portfolio using Science Based Targets Initiative and CDP frameworks
  • Improved data monitoring efficiency by 30% through process enhancements and automation initiatives
  • Conducted comprehensive studies on hundreds of climate targets research queries, improving accuracy of complexity identification
  • Streamlined documentation processes ensuring current and comprehensive guidance materials


Core Responsibilities:

  • Evaluated emissions reduction targets using annual reports, sustainability reports, CDP reports and SBTI publications
  • Developed quality assessment measures and methodological enhancements for targets research
  • Managed internal and external stakeholder queries and issuer communications

ESG Controversies Methodology and Quality Lead

MSCI INC.
10.2021 - 07.2022

Methodology Implementation & Quality Standards


Key Achievements:

  • Led successful completion of major ESG Controversies Methodology enhancement project affecting thousands of company profiles
  • Developed comprehensive processes and operational manuals adopted company-wide
  • Permanent voting member of ESG Controversies Methodology Committee, reviewing 300+ high-profile cases
  • Successfully represented team in engagements with Fortune 100 companies (Chevron, Barrick Gold, Monsanto, Bayer, etc.)


Core Responsibilities:

  • Ensured methodology compliance and content quality standards across all publications
  • Coordinated participation in ESG methodology committees and editorial boards
  • Managed complex methodological queries and external stakeholder communications

ESG Controversies Data Quality Team Lead

MSCI INC.
12.2019 - 10.2021

Team Management & Strategic Operations


Key Achievements:

  • Managed multinational team of 8-10 senior industry experts across Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Brazilian, Spanish, and Portuguese markets
  • Achieved 100% promotion success rate for direct reports with commensurate compensation adjustments
  • Founded 3 specialized subgroups including Issuer Communications, Major Breaking News, and Foreign Language News Monitoring teams
  • Maintained industry-leading client satisfaction scores through effective query resolution processes


Core Responsibilities:

  • Led Data Quality Team handling bespoke projects including issuer reviews, coverage expansions, and portfolio assessments
  • Established operational processes for quarterly and semi-annual coverage expansions and rebalancing
  • Provided oversight and strategic direction for specialized research subgroups

ESG Controversies Methodology Specialist

MSCI INC.
01.2012 - 09.2021

Core Methodology Development & Enhancement


Key Achievements:

  • Conducted 10-year comprehensive study of ESG Controversies core methodology, becoming recognized internal expert
  • Developed specialized guidance for complex geopolitical issues (Israel-Pakistan conflict, Russia-Ukraine conflict)
  • Created industry-specific methodologies for high-risk sectors (mining fatality rates, neonicotinoids impact on bee populations)
  • Permanent and rotating voting member of ESG Controversies Methodology Committee

ESG Controversies News Alerts Lead

MSCI INC.
01.2019 - 03.2021

Market Intelligence & Stakeholder Communication


Key Achievements:

  • Established ESG Controversies News Alerts team from ground up, increasing team visibility to internal and external stakeholders
  • Ensured 100% compliance with distribution timelines for critical market intelligence affecting issuer performance assessments
  • Formulated, evaluated and quality-checked hundreds of industry digest proposals

ESG Controversies Industry Lead - Multiple Markets

MSCI INC.
02.2015 - 12.2019

Multi-Industry Research Leadership


Key Achievements:

  • Simultaneously managed 3 industry groups with 2-3 junior members each across Energy & Utilities, Healthcare, and Materials
  • Successfully established future leadership pipeline through systematic knowledge transfer and mentoring programs
  • Resolved hundreds of research queries from major industry issuers and institutional clients
  • Trained and mentored 15+ junior specialists on industry-specific methodologies and processes


Industries Managed:

  • Energy and Utilities (January 2018 - December 2019)
  • Healthcare (January 2016 - December 2017)
  • Materials (February 2015 - December 2019)

ESG Controversies Senior Research Associate

MSCI INC.
01.2015 - 12.2018

Specialized Industry Research & Analysis


Key Achievements:

  • Gained triple-industry specialization in Materials, Healthcare, and Energy & Utilities sectors
  • Profiled thousands of issuers using UN Global Compact, ILO Declaration, OECD Guidelines, and UDHR frameworks
  • Published thousands of peer-reviewed profiles across multiple sectors with rigorous quality standards
  • Formulated sector-specific methodologies adopted by entire research division

ESG Controversies Research Associate

MSCI INC.
01.2012 - 12.2014

ESG Research Foundation & Product Development


Key Achievements:

  • Pioneer team member who built foundational ESG Controversies database and research capabilities
  • Consolidated legacy data from Impact Monitor Research and Global Compact Plus products
  • Established ESG Controversies as standalone product serving both external clients and internal ESG Ratings stakeholders
  • Achieved comprehensive coverage across 7+ industries during critical product development phase

Multiple Research Associate Roles

RISKMETRICS GROUP INC.
01.2007 - 05.2010

Company Overview: (Acquired by MSCI Inc. in June 2010)


Pioneer ESG Research & Product Development


Key Achievements:

  • Employee Excellence Award (March 2010) for delivering bespoke client project ahead of deadline while training 20+ cross-departmental employees
  • Pioneer member of 8+ research teams including Impact Monitor, Global Compact Plus, International Weapons, Climate Change
  • Published hundreds of company profiles across weapons research, climate change, labor rights, and terrorism risk assessment
  • Contributed to Carbon Disclosure Project Report 2007 covering S&P 500 companies


Research Areas and Projects:

  • Impact Monitor Research
  • Global Compact Plus
  • International Weapons Research
  • Landmines & Cluster Munitions Research
  • Firearms Research
  • Climate Change Research
  • Nuclear Energy Research
  • Labor Union Compliance Research
  • Carbon Disclosure Analysis Project

ISS Sustainability Analytics Research Analyst

INSTITUTIONAL SHAREHOLDERS SERVICES (ISS INC.)
10.2006 - 12.2006

Company Overview: (Acquired by RiskMetrics Group in January 2007)


Key Achievements:

  • Gained comprehensive foundation in core ESG, sustainability, and CSR research methodologies
  • Profiled hundreds of issuers across industries using comprehensive ESG analytical frameworks

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

University of The Philippines
03.2006

Skills

    Leadership & Strategy

  • Executive Leadership & Strategy Development
  • Team Management & Development

Skills (Continued)

  • Methodology Design & Implementation
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Client Relations
  • Process Optimization & Quality Assurance
  • Cross-Cultural Team Leadership


ESG & Climate Expertise

  • Climate Risk Assessment & TCFD Implementation
  • Carbon Targets & Emissions Research
  • ESG Controversies Analysis & Methodology
  • International Standards (UN Global Compact, ILO, OECD)
  • SASB, GRI, CDP and Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) Reporting Standards
  • Responsible AI & Ethical Technology Development

Professional Highlights

Current Leadership Impact:

  • Pioneering sustainable AI development at Sage Dynamics, establishing industry-leading frameworks for ethical AI in business process optimization
  • Spearheading fact-checking operations at Project Audience Centricity, developing methodologies for corporate communications accuracy assessment
  • Driving 30% IT infrastructure cost reductions through strategic energy optimization initiatives and responsible data sourcing policies


Proven Track Record:

  • Built and scaled ESG research operations, managing 10,000+ entity portfolios affecting billions in assets under management
  • Pioneer of ESG controversies research, establishing foundational methodologies adopted industry-wide
  • Pioneer of 8+ specialized research teams and projects supporting the expansion of MSCI’s ESG products and services.
  • Led multinational teams across 8 countries with 95%+ client satisfaction rates
  • Expert in international frameworks including UN Global Compact, TCFD, IPCC, ILO conventions, with specialized focus on responsible AI and ethical technology development


Strategic Value: Combines deep expertise in traditional ESG frameworks with emerging technology ethics, uniquely qualified to guide organizations through the complex landscape of sustainable innovation, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement in the rapidly evolving AI and digital media sectors. Demonstrated ability to translate complex sustainability concepts into actionable business strategies that drive both financial performance and positive impact.

Technical Skills

  • Platforms: LexisNexis, Factiva, Bloomberg ESG
  • Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Expert level), Data Analysis Tools
  • Research: Regulatory Filings (SEC, SEDAR etc.), Annual/Sustainability Reports, CDP Reports, SBTI Publications, Legal Documents, News Publications
  • Industries: Technology/AI, Materials, Energy & Utilities, Healthcare, Industrials, Consumer sectors

Publications

  • "What's the Buzz: Bees, Neonicotinoids and Investor Strategy" MSCI Inc. | 2017 | Co-Author with Eric Fernald
  • "Carbon Disclosure Project Report 2007 USA S&P 500" Carbon Disclosure Project; RiskMetrics Group | 2007 | Contributor

Certification

  • Recent Certifications (2021-2024):
  • CSRD Fundamentals - CSRD Institute (August 2024)
  • Green Fiscal Policy - UN Institute for Training and Research (2021)
  • Fundamentals on REDD+ (2021)
  • The Sustainable Development Goals - University of Copenhagen (2021)
  • Management Systems Expertise:
  • ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Management System
  • ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
  • ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System
  • ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System
  • Investment & ESG Frameworks:
  • Understanding Responsible Investment - PRI Academy (2019)

Awards

  • MSCI Loyalty Award for 15 Years of Service (August 2022)
  • MSCI ESG Pioneer Award (November 2021)
  • MSCI Loyalty Award for 5 Years of Service (December 2015)
  • Employee Excellence Award - International Weapons Research Project (March 2010)
  • Academic Excellence Award - Office of the President of the Philippines (March 2002)
  • High School Class Valedictorian - Saint Jean Baptiste Academy (March 2002)

Timeline

Chief Sustainability Officer

Sage Dynamics
01.2025 - Current

Partner and Head of Fact Checking Division

Project Audience Centricity
10.2024 - Current

ESG Senior Climate Research Specialist

MSCI INC.
07.2022 - 04.2024

ESG Senior Carbon Targets Research Specialist

MSCI INC.
07.2022 - 04.2024

ESG Controversies Methodology and Quality Lead

MSCI INC.
10.2021 - 07.2022

ESG Controversies Data Quality Team Lead

MSCI INC.
12.2019 - 10.2021

ESG Controversies News Alerts Lead

MSCI INC.
01.2019 - 03.2021

ESG Controversies Industry Lead - Multiple Markets

MSCI INC.
02.2015 - 12.2019

ESG Controversies Senior Research Associate

MSCI INC.
01.2015 - 12.2018

ESG Controversies Methodology Specialist

MSCI INC.
01.2012 - 09.2021

ESG Controversies Research Associate

MSCI INC.
01.2012 - 12.2014

Multiple Research Associate Roles

RISKMETRICS GROUP INC.
01.2007 - 05.2010

ISS Sustainability Analytics Research Analyst

INSTITUTIONAL SHAREHOLDERS SERVICES (ISS INC.)
10.2006 - 12.2006

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

University of The Philippines
Niko Santos