Delivering innovative solutions to the sustainability challenges of our clients requires technical knowledge, business acumen and sector insights.

Dr. Velislava Ivanova

EY Americas Chief Sustainability Officer; EY Global Strategy and Markets Leader, Climate Change and Sustainability Services

Sustainability leader. Trusted business advisor. Global citizen. Nature lover.

Areas of focus

Veli advances EY’s sustainability initiatives to increase long-term value for the firm and its clients. She leads a team of over 500 professionals dedicated to sustainability advisory, reporting and assurance services.

Veli has led sustainability transformation across many sectors and her client work has led to practical results towards the transition to a low-carbon and circular economy.  In 2022, Veli was named the 8th Top Leader in Sustainability by Sustainability Magazine and 2nd in the Top 25 Sustainability Consultants and Leaders by The Consulting Report. She is also ranked 7th on Sustainability Magazine’s 2023 Top 100 Women in Sustainability.

Veli holds an MS in Pollution and Environmental Control and a PhD in Environmental Biology from the University of Manchester. Veli is a “global citizen” having lived in Bulgaria, the UK, Hungary and the US. She now resides in Denver, CO with her husband. 

How Velislava is building a better working world

"I assist business to advance their sustainability priorities and  create a positive impact on the environment and society. I am an inclusive leader, fostering collaboration across the value chain, creating innovative ESG solutions, and championing the transition to a green and just economy. I have been privileged through my career to work on all aspects of ESG and I feel responsibility to mentor and guide the next generation of sustainability professionals."

Velislava’s latest thinking