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Keynote SpeakerDesiree Fixler

Impact & ESG Investing Professional speaking out to effect change in sustainable finance

Desiree is globally recognized as a top expert and one of the most influential in the practice of sustainable finance. She is known for her candid advocacy to reform policy and practice around ESG and impact investing and is frequently in the media. As a professional speaker, she provides expert... Read more

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Popular Talks by Desiree Fixler

  • ESG investing best practice

    Desiree is a big proponent for greater ESG disclosure requirements and actual delivery on net zero and diversity and inclusion pledges and commitments. She tackles organization set-up, data collection and aggregation, engagement strategies, product development, regulatory readiness and corporate operations.

  • Greenwashing detection and prevention

    Desitree discusses and helps companies and investors spot what may be considered ESG-washing in product labels and strategies, statements and pledges. With ESG regulation and enforcement actions greatly on the rise, many companies are having to urgently re-assess the integrity of their products and services and public statements to ensure…
  • Speaking up and Whistleblowing

    Desiree draws on her own experience outing what she considered to be greenwashing practices and the colossal corporate governance failure at DWS, which led to 7 regulatory authorities investigating the firm. It culminated with 50 federal police agents raiding Deutsche Bank and DWS and the removal of the CEO and…
  • Resilience, overcoming adversity and reinvention

    Desiree was publicly fired and discredited as a chief sustainability officer of a large asset manager. She speaks about a pretty brutal year of trying to set the record straight, salvage my life and crucially hold the firm to account. She did just that and now has a new life…

Biography

Desiree is globally recognized as a top expert and one of the most influential in the practice of sustainable finance. She is known for her candid advocacy to reform policy and practice around ESG and impact investing and is frequently in the media. As a professional speaker, she provides expert insights on the current state and outlook of the ESG movement, the prevention of greenwashing, whistleblowing and risk management.

With over 25 years of experience in sustainable finance and investment banking, she serves a trusted advisor to financial institutions, NGOs and regulators including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and the Monetary Authority of Singapore and guest lectures at Cambridge University. Accordingly, she is at the forefront of global efforts to drive greater transparency, accountability and impact in the practice of sustainable finance.

Desiree was Group Sustainability Officer at Deutsche Bank’s asset manager, DWS, when she exposed extensive greenwashing at the company- huge discrepancies between the firm’s public ESG claims and its internal statements and actions. When her concerns as well as her job were dismissed by the C-suite and Board, she decided to speak out publicly. US and German authorities next launched investigations, which culminated in a police raid at the firm’s headquarters, the ousting of the CEO and senior executives at the firm and the largest SEC greenwashing fine.

Desiree’s whistleblowing action sent shockwaves throughout the finance industry and galvanized efforts to tackle greenwashing. She poignantly and candidly tells her story to drive this cautionary yet inspirational tale home for the sake of clearer ESG disclosures and a more evidence-based approach to sustainability.

Prior to DWS, she has held senior roles at JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank and Zais Group, where she built and managed ESG investing and structured credit businesses. Her track record of product innovation includes several award-winning and market transformational products, including the development of the iTraxx and CDX indices, as well as a series of impact securitizations.

Desiree holds a BSc Economics (Hons) from the London School of Economics. She is a member of the CFA’s ESG Technical Committee, a member of the LSE’s Entrepreneurship Advisory Group and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Responsible Investing.

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How to book Desiree Fixler as a keynote speaker

How do I book Desiree Fixler for a keynote speech?

You can book Desiree Fixler through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Desiree's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Desiree Fixler's speaking fees?

Desiree Fixler's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Desiree tailored to your event.

What topics does Desiree Fixler speak about?

Desiree Fixler speaks on Diversity, Economics, Economics & Finance, Financial, Performance. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Desiree to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Desiree Fixler available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Desiree Fixler for events worldwide, subject to Desiree's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Desiree Fixler deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Desiree Fixler is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Desiree Fixler?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Desiree can accommodate.

Can Desiree Fixler tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Desiree Fixler on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Desiree can offer.

What languages does Desiree Fixler present in?

Desiree Fixler delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Desiree Fixler a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Desiree Fixler's areas of expertise include Diversity, Economics, Economics & Finance, Financial, Performance. To get a clear sense of Desiree's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Desiree Fixler speak at?

Desiree Fixler can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Diversity, Economics, Economics & Finance, Financial, Performance is relevant. Details of Desiree's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Desiree Fixler offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Desiree Fixler is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Desiree Fixler?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Desiree Fixler, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Desiree's current availability for your dates.