Eurofund Group appoints Mónica Chao as senior ESG advisor

The pan-European real estate investment and development company Eurofund Group, appoints Mónica Chao as ESG Senior Advisor to strengthen the company’s sustainability framework and initiatives. She leads the implementation of Eurofund Group’s ESG Strategy, at both ‘group’ and individual asset levels, supporting strong financial performance, long-term value creation, and positive societal impact across the portfolio.

An industry expert, Mónica has more than 20 years of experience in crafting and delivering successful sustainability strategies for multinational companies and large real estate developers. Her areas of expertise include driving digital transformation in data collection, analysis and reporting to meet sustainability targets, as well as the creation of organisational structures, corporate policies, process improvements, and the development of new methodologies.

This appointment bolsters Eurofund Group’s commitment to making places better, for the planet, for people and for business. Across its assets, Eurofund Group aims to create inclusive, engaging, and beautiful places with net key zero ambitions front of mind. At the heart of this commitment is the ethos that retail destinations should deliver returns to the communities at their hearts—as well as to all stakeholders—through responsible investing, management of the assets, and divestment decisions.

Priorities for Eurofund Group include maximising eco-efficiencies, adding to biodiversity, and improving mobility options with reduced environmental impact. The strategy also foregrounds promoting a healthy lifestyle, accessibility and increased comfort for all and a meaningful contribution to local culture. Its approach underscores the importance of fostering a strong relationship with businesses, including increased support for the development of—and employment in—the region, improved access to training and employability, and long-term partnerships with tenants.

“Mónica is a leader in the field, and we are delighted to welcome her on board in this new role,” comments Ian Sandford, President, Eurofund Group.” As Eurofund Group prioritises delivering a positive impact on communities and the planet, it is fantastic to have her expert perspective and guidance to ensure we can take concrete actions to continue improving.”

Mónica Chao, Senior Advisor – ESG & Sustainability, Eurofund Group added, “It is a pleasure to be working with Eurofund Group to set a strong sustainability course for its current and future projects. Our collaboration further integrates ESG considerations at every level of Eurofund Group’s process, from assessment and goal setting to implementation and reporting.

Between 2020 and 2022, Mónica served as Country Sustainability Manager for IKEA, and before this also served as Director of Communication and Sustainability for major retail developer Intu. Here she was responsible for defining, coordinating, and implementing the “Positive Impact” sustainability strategy to achieve efficiencies in water and energy and engagement with stakeholders. Across multiple projects with investments exceeding €800m, she led the integration of sustainability in architecture and engineering to achieve economic and environmental efficiencies—in addition to administrative and communication
frameworks. In previous roles, Mónica has worked with projects and corporates to achieve sustainability certifications including CDP, DJSI, FTSE4 Good, BREEAM, WELL, ISO 50001, and ISO14001.

Prior to her time at Intu, Mónica Chao worked as Global Director of Sustainability for NH Hotel Group, one of the 25 largest hotel chains in the world, in addition to positions as Director of Spain for CarbonClear, Global Head of Environment for global insurer MAPFRE, and a Senior Risk Consultant for PwC. Motivated by her personal and professional experience, Mónica founded—and is the president of—the Woman, Action, Sustainability (WAS) non-profit organisation, which aims to ensure that female talent is utilised to set the sustainability agenda at the highest level of corporate decision-making.