Prudential Real Estate Investors has named David DeVos as its global sustainability officer, responsible for overseeing the company’s strategy to reduce its worldwide environmental footprint.

PREI is the real estate investment management and advisory business of Prudential Financial.

“PREI has so far made tremendous progress integrating sustainability into our business and culture, and assessing the opportunities and potential risks that climate change and sustainability-related issues present for our business and investment portfolios,” says Allen Smith, chief executive of PREI. “David brings an impressive track record of producing cost-effective, innovative solutions in building design, construction and sustainability—experience that adds depth to our initiative.”

DeVos will lead PREI’s global sustainability committee and oversee its regional committees in the US, Europe, Latin America and Asia. PREI launched its sustainability initiative in 2008 to increase environmental awareness and ensure the firm protects and maximises the value of each investment through energy and resource conservation.

Before joining PREI, DeVos co-founded Ecoxera, a consulting firm that helps companies develop sustainability standards. Earlier, as director of corporate sustainability, he managed the sustainability programme for Kohl’s Department Stores. He was also previously vice president of store design for Follett Higher Education Group.