Responsible investment think-tank Preventable Surprises has launched a search for a new CEO.

In a job advert posted on its website, Preventable Surprises said it was seeking “an independent thinker and strong leader” for its work in encouraging action from asset owners on climate change and environmental issues.

Founder Raj Thamotheram, currently the CEO and a regular columnist for IPE, is to become co-chair of the organisation alongside Carolyn Hayman.

In an email to contacts, Thamotheram said the new full-time position “represents a major scaling up of our work” on climate change at a time when “negative policy headwinds” were challenging environmental policies.

The organisation does not just focus on environmental issues, Thamotheram added: “As Preventable Surprises attracts additional resources, we also want to focus on some of the other ways that investors enable dysfunctional corporate and market behaviour and so contribute to systemic risk, notably executive pay and biodiversity loss.”

The job description said: “As CEO, you will play a leading role in shaping Preventable Surprises’ strategy in a collaborative manner, and then implement the strategy, responding to opportunities and collaborating wherever possible with like-minded organisations.”

The successful candidate should be able to “mobilise” and expand Preventable Surprises’ network of “positive mavericks”, as well as come up with new strategies for the group’s work. Fundraising skills are also needed, according to the job description – Preventable Surprises is funded by donations and support from charitable foundations.

The full job description is available here.