Simon Mills

Financial Services Policy and Sustainability Professional

Greater London, England, United Kingdom

About

Expert in- Indices, Sustainable Finance, Fintech, MDL and Blockchain Applications, Policy Analysis, Trend Analysis, Risk Management and Horizon Scanning, Environmental Management and Assessment, Strategy Development, Systems Implementation, Performance Assessment, Management and Reporting. Two Decades of experience in board level advocacy and stakeholder engagement with internal and external customers including industry (particularly within the financial services and construction sectors), NGOs and policy makers at national and European level. Highly skilled in communication, training and marketing via events, intranet, internet, social media, press releases (through internal PR and via a retained PR Company), events management, public speaking and speech writing. Extensive experience in community engagement and the development and delivery of multi-stakeholder projects and programmes.

Experience

  • Senior Associate at Z/Yen Group Limited
    Mar 2016 - Present · 10 yrs 5 mos

    I am currently working with the Z/yen Group Ltd, exploring net-zero, green finance and innovations in indices, financial systems and technology, sustainability and standards. My current focus includes space, "green finance", MDL and blockchain technology.

  • Managing Director at GADESELLI CONSULTING LIMITED
    Feb 2016 - Present · 10 yrs 6 mos

    In addition to my work for Z/Yen, I run a small environmental consultancy specialising in sustainability, climate change adaptation and mitigation. My most recent client was a local authority in Surrey, where I was responsible for developing their energy strategy, and procuring services to install EV charging points in car parks across the borough.

  • Corporate Policy Manager and Head of Sustainable Development at City of London
    Aug 2000 - Feb 2016 · 15 yrs 7 mos

    I managed a team of 7 policy officers who provide strategic advice on legislation and policy to departmental heads and elected members. In addition to managing all aspects of the environmental performance of my organisation, I was responsible for stakeholder engagement with the financial services sector, SMEs, NGOs and the Government. I gained extensive experience of successfully lobbying policy makers both in the UK and the EU on behalf of my own organisation and constituents in the financial services community. I was responsible for advocacy at meetings with senior managers, policy makers at regional and national level and with Government departments. I commissioned research from external consultants and other departments, oversaw delivery and reporting and that action was taken on recommendations. I provided advice on smart city infrastructure, sustainable digital solutions and resilience. I managed multiple networks for businesses, policy makers and academic stakeholders.

  • Programme Director Local and Regional Climate Change Adaptation Partnership at Defra
    Feb 2009 - Aug 2009 · 7 mos

    I was seconded to DEFRA and GOL to programme manage the national Local and Regional Adaptation Partnership. During my time in this position I developed a three year action programme in consultation with the principle Partners. Commissioned research, and developed a national training and communication programme in association with the Government Offices for the Regions.

  • Environmental Coordinator at Crawley Borough Council
    Oct 1995 - Jul 2000 · 4 yrs 10 mos

    Responsible for EMS, LA21 and sustainable development policy and programmes