TDA 2022: ESG Professional of the Year: Robert Sroka, Abris Capital Partners

Sroka won the judges vote for his commitment to ESG demonstrated by the way he shares best practices in the industry. In particular, they highlighted his climate manifesto and new strategy as “commendably ambitious” as they show real evidence of Sroka viewing ESG as holistic, and incorporating a wide range of issues and factors.

“I am fortunate to work for an organisation that defines itself as an ESG transformation specialist,” comments Sroka. “The private equity industry is diverse in its approach to ESG - from firms who still barely mention it, to those that consider it at every point of the investment process. We believe ESG has a central role in generating stronger returns - rather than just being a risk mitigation tool - and GPs must lead the way in best practice, otherwise returns will suffer.”

His hard work was echoed by Sroka’s own managing partner, Pawel Gierynski, who vouched that he goes above and beyond the call of duty. He does this by educating Abris’ investee companies and ensuring Abris protects and communicates its integrity of being a sustainable investor.

“I love what I do and always try to go the extra mile,” Sroka says. “I always try to understand the precise nature and benefits of individual ESG activities first, to be able to convince others. I also try to get deeply involved in the development of ESG standards in the industry by participating in working groups at key organisations. This takes a great deal of time, but brings a lot of satisfaction.”

Sroka’s passion and determination to educate the wider community on ESG and sustainability, is certainly a factor that put him ahead of his peers in this category. “It is important for me to go outside my own organisation and converse with other professionals inside and outside the private equity industry in order to come back to Abris with better knowledge, ideas and solutions.”

Category finalists

• Jarlyth Gibson, Advent International
• Lina Lisbona, Barn Investimentos
• Ray Stenton, NorthEdge
• Jovana Stopic, IK Partners
• Zoë VanderWolk, ETF Partners