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Dan Bond

Head of Natural Resources & Manufacturing
EMEA
Leadership

Dan leads Acre’s business across the natural resources and manufacturing sectors supporting clients to tackle issues such as traceability, transparency, and environmental impact through their value chains. Working closely with industry sectors that are under pressure to decarbonise, as well as manage their responsibility to host communities across the world, Dan has supported clients across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 

 

As well as delivering leadership roles in the corporate markets, Dan has built a strong executive network with industry bodies, not-for-profits, and standards organisations in the space, successfully appointing several Chief Exec positions, Board, and NED roles, responsible for driving global sustainability and climate targets with some of the world’s widest reaching organisations.

Featured Articles from Dan's team

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sector-iconNatural Resourcesinsight-type-iconShowcase
The EU Deforestation Regulation: The Talent Challenge for European Natural Resource Businesses

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which came into force in 2023, represents a significant shift in how natural resource businesses must operate to ensure compliance with strict deforestation-free supply chains. This new law requires companies that place products such as palm oil, soy, timber, coffee, cocoa, rubber, and cattle products on the EU market to provide proof that they are not linked to deforestation.

 

With enforcement beginning in 2025, businesses that fail to meet these requirements risk substantial fines, reputational damage, and loss of market access. However, for many companies, the biggest challenge is not just meeting regulatory requirements—it is finding and integrating the right talent with the expertise to navigate this complex legal and sustainability landscape.

 

 

The Growing Need for Regulatory and Sustainability Experts

 

For European natural resource businesses, compliance with the EUDR demands an unprecedented level of due diligence, data transparency, and supply chain oversight. This shift places sustainability, legal, and procurement teams under immense pressure to transform the way they operate. As a result, demand is surging for professionals with expertise in:

EU Regulatory Compliance – Professionals who understand the intricacies of the EUDR and can ensure that businesses meet due diligence requirements.

Supply Chain Traceability and Monitoring – Specialists who can implement and oversee robust tracking systems to verify that products are deforestation-free.

Sustainability and ESG Reporting – Individuals skilled in data management and sustainability metrics, capable of translating regulatory requirements into actionable insights.

Risk Assessment and Legal Expertise – Lawyers and compliance officers who can guide businesses through the legal implications of non-compliance.

Sustainable Procurement and Supplier Engagement – Procurement professionals with the ability to work closely with suppliers to ensure they adopt sustainable sourcing practices.

 

 

The Talent Shortage in EUDR-Related Roles

 

Despite this growing demand, there is a shortage of professionals with the right combination of skills. Many businesses are scrambling to build in-house capabilities or seeking external support to upskill existing teams. Given the complexity of the EUDR, companies must compete for a limited pool of sustainability experts, regulatory specialists, and supply chain analysts who truly understand the nuances of the legislation.

 

Additionally, many organisations are facing a knowledge gap at the leadership level, where executive teams may not yet fully grasp the operational challenges and strategic adjustments required to align with the EUDR. This gap underscores the need for senior hires who can drive systemic change within companies and embed compliance into core business operations.

 

 

How Acre Supports Businesses in Securing Top EUDR Talent

 

At Acre, we have over 20 years of experience helping businesses navigate complex sustainability and ESG challenges through talent acquisition, market intelligence, and advisory services . With our deep networks across sustainability, compliance, and supply chain management, we are uniquely positioned to help European natural resource businesses secure the expertise they need to meet EUDR requirements.

 

1. Access to an Unrivalled Talent Pool

 

Acre’s global network of sustainability professionals includes experts in regulatory compliance, sustainable procurement, and ESG strategy. Our executive search and professional recruitment services enable businesses to identify and attract highly skilled professionals who can help them navigate the EUDR landscape.

 

 

2. A Specialised Approach to Hiring for EUDR Compliance

 

Understanding that EUDR compliance requires a mix of legal, operational, and sustainability expertise, we tailor our search to find candidates who not only understand the legislation but can also translate its requirements into business-friendly strategies.

 

For example, in the timber and paper industry, businesses require specialists who can manage chain-of-custody certifications and ensure compliance with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) standards. In agriculture and food production, professionals with experience in deforestation-free supply chains, satellite monitoring, and supplier risk assessment are in high demand. Acre’s sector-specific expertise ensures we connect businesses with candidates who bring both technical knowledge and practical implementation skills.

 

 

3. Leadership and Advisory Services to Bridge the Knowledge Gap

 

Given the transformational nature of the EUDR, businesses need leadership teams that are well-versed in sustainability-driven regulation. Acre supports clients by identifying and placing C-suite executives and sustainability leaders who can drive compliance efforts from the top down.

 

Beyond recruitment, our advisory services help companies map out their talent needs, assess competency gaps, and provide strategic insights into how leading organisations are structuring their teams for compliance .

 

4. Market Research and Insights to Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes

 

Acre conducts ongoing market research into team structures, hiring trends, and industry benchmarks, allowing businesses to stay ahead of evolving sustainability regulations. Our insights help companies understand how their peers are building compliance teams and what skills will be most critical in the coming years .

 

 

Future-Proofing Talent Strategies for EUDR Success

 

As the 2025 deadline for EUDR enforcement approaches, businesses must move quickly to strengthen their compliance teams and develop a clear talent acquisition strategy. The risk of non-compliance is not just financial—companies that fail to adapt could face supply chain disruptions, consumer backlash, and exclusion from the EU market.

 

To stay competitive, natural resource businesses must take a proactive approach to recruitment, focusing on:

  • Upskilling internal teams through training in deforestation risk management and due diligence processes.
  • Engaging with specialist recruiters like Acre to identify and attract the best talent in the field.
  • Building long-term partnerships with sustainability professionals who can help navigate future regulatory shifts.

 

Partner with Acre for EUDR Talent Acquisition

 

Acre is at the forefront of sustainability and ESG recruitment, supporting businesses as they adapt to the regulatory landscape. Our proven expertise in hiring for climate risk, sustainability, and supply chain transformation makes us the partner of choice for companies seeking to build high-impact teams that will thrive under the EUDR.

 

If your organisation is preparing for EUDR compliance and needs support in sourcing top-tier sustainability and regulatory talent, get in touch with our team today. Together, we can build a deforestation-free future—one expert at a time.

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Dan Bond
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sector-iconNatural Resourcesinsight-type-iconCase Study
Supporting the Responsible Jewellery Council

"Very receptive and understanding staff. Professional approach to work. They tailor the job match to your background in the short-to-long term."

 

Aygun Kazymova

Responsible Jewellery Council

 

The RJC is a whole-of-supply chain standards initiative for the jewellery supply chain, from mine to retail. It is unique in its participation of organisations at every step in the value chain, each bringing a commitment to a responsible supply chain and implementation of responsible business practices.

 

Acre were selected to conduct the search for two roles, an Assurance Manager and a Certification Manager. Our mission was to support the organisation through a significant change in structure and delivery, responding to increased pressure and legislation through jewellery supply chains, from mine to retail.​

 

After a careful consultation period, we responded quickly, with focused shortlists, giving an overview of the market with a range of experience.

 

This resulted in a quick process, and two senior placements, one from responsible sourcing within a retailer exposed to significant high-risk supply chains, the other from a well-known consultancy responsible for the certification and assurance of audit data throughout relevant sectors.

 

By understanding the organisation thoroughly, we were able to support not just the technical elements of the role, but the important qualities around culture, long-term vision and motivations to reflect the internal changes within the client.

 

To discuss similar positions, or how we can help you find the right people for your organisation, please contact Dan Bond from our Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability team via dan.bond@acre.com.

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Dan Bond

Open Positions from Dan's Team

Head of Supply Chain Integrity
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Industrials & Manufacturing

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London, Greater London, England

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Hybrid

Location is preferably London or New York, however we will consider candidates from other locations, or those willing to relocate.

 

 

The World Gold Council is a membership organisation that champions the role gold plays as a strategic asset, shaping the future of a responsible and accessible gold supply chain. 

This work plays a critical role in supporting the broader remit of the organization – to champion the role that gold plays as a strategic asset, recognizing that long-term confidence and trust in gold as an asset class has to be underpinned by a responsible and accessible gold supply chain.

 

 

The Head of Supply Chain Integrity will lead its work in advancing a responsible, transparent, and accessible gold supply chain. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, this pivotal role will shape the organisation’s efforts to strengthen standards across the gold supply chain, from large-scale industrial operations to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). The successful candidate will collaborate with industry leaders, investors, civil society, and policymakers to drive long-term impact and credibility in global gold markets.

 

 

Key responsibilities include

  • Leading the development and awareness of responsible mining standards, including the implementation of the WGC’s Consolidated Mining Standards initiative.
  • Supporting WGC member companies in meeting responsible sourcing commitments and tracking alignment across the network.
  • Driving efforts to formalise responsible ASGM practices while helping to prevent the entry of high-risk sources into the formal gold supply chain.
  • Working with refiners, bullion banks, and industry bodies (e.g. LBMA) to improve due diligence and strengthen confidence in responsible sourcing practices.
  • Promoting the Gold Bar Integrity (GBI) initiative, helping integrate responsibly produced gold into a trusted and verifiable ecosystem.

 

 

The ideal candidate will bring

  • Extensive experience in Sustainability, responsible sourcing, or supply chain integrity – ideally within the metals/mining sector, or relevant industries such as electronics or apparel.
  • Familiarity with international policy frameworks (e.g. OECD Due Diligence Guidance, UN Guiding Principles) and/or assurance and compliance processes.
  • Experience working in developing countries, particularly in mining or manufacturing contexts.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
  • A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to take initiative and deliver impactful outcomes.
  • A commitment to driving positive change and enhancing the integrity of global supply chains.

 

 

This is an outstanding opportunity to join the World Gold Council at a time of strategic growth and global relevance. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of the gold sector, ensuring it remains responsible, resilient, and aligned with the expectations of investors, consumers, and society. For mission-driven professionals ready to make a meaningful impact, this is a rare and rewarding challenge.

 

 

Please apply directly or for more information reach out to Dan Bond at dan.bond@acre.com

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