Cara Williams
Senior Partner, Global Head of Climate & Sustainability - Mercer
Cara Williams is a highly accomplished and influential leader in the field of sustainability, ESG and investment trends. As Senior Partner and Global Head of Climate and Sustainability at Mercer, a leading global consulting firm, Cara plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving Mercer’s climate and sustainability value proposition and positioning.
With over 29 years of experience in the investment and consulting industry, Cara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She joined Mercer’s investment consulting business in April 2005 as Global COO, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. Cara began her career in finance as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in New York. Prior to working in the investment industry, she was responsible for budgets and logistics for US Army and NATO MWR deployments.
Cara’s passion for sustainability and her commitment to driving positive change are evident in her work. She collaborates closely with organizations, both public and private, as well as asset owners of all types, to help them establish their ESG and sustainability goals. Through her guidance and expertise, she assists these organizations in developing robust strategies to deliver on their sustainability commitments.
In addition to her professional achievements, Cara is a dedicated mentor and advocate for women and people of color in their careers. She actively supports and promotes diversity and inclusion initiatives, both within Mercer and in external programs. Cara’s commitment to empowering others extends beyond her professional life, as she serves on the board of Girls With Impact, an organization that trains girls to become successful entrepreneurs.
Cara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and an MBA in Finance from The University of Hartford. Her fluency in French and German allows her to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to Mercer’s global reach. Cara is on the advisory boards of Neqsol Holdings (an international group of companies active in energy, telecommunications, construction, and high-tech), Carson Group (network of independent financial advisors who offer coaching, consulting, training and resources) and the German School in London.
