Meet our people: Karin Reiter, SVP of Sustainability & ESG

How it started

“I began my journey as an Adecco Associate over 20 years ago. In 2018, I rejoined the Adecco Group as a colleague, bringing years of experience as a legal counsel and over a decade in sustainability. It’s been full-circle moment to contribute to the organization that gave me my first job out of university.”

From lawyer to sustainability

“My shift from law to sustainability was driven by a desire to move beyond compliance and address systemic challenges. I use my legal skills to tackle issues like human rights, inclusion, and environmental responsibility—turning a focus on justice into tangible impact.”

My role today

 “As the Head of Sustainability, I design the Group’s sustainability strategy, ensuring we address social, governance, and environmental impacts, risks, and opportunities while balancing economic goals. My team collaborates across the organisation, from advising leadership to empowering colleagues, to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our business. In 2025, we aim to strengthen inclusion, human rights practices, and colleague engagement.”

Our focus

“Our mission is to support people, communities, and the planet as we shape the future of work. By helping vulnerable groups access and remain in employment, operating ethically, and setting ambitious carbon reduction targets, we’re creating lasting value for stakeholders and society alike.”

How our approach has evolved

“Sustainability has shifted from a compliance focus to a strategic enabler of business and societal value. My dream is to see sustainability embedded in every decision we make, leading the HR industry from a resource focus back to a human-centered approach.”

Quick-fire insights

• Advice to my younger self: Trust the process and enjoy the ride.
• Down-time: Kickboxing, family time, and dance-offs.
• Luxury must-have: Noise-cancelling headphones.
• Last supper: Bread, butter, cheese, and champagne—plus my mom’s redcurrant pie.
• Superpower: Telekinesis or a sustainability laser to get things done!