In this episode:
James Kennedy sits down with Christophe Gantzer, fractional CFO and co-founder of Clear Edge, to unpack the seismic shift in ESG and sustainability reporting across Europe – and what it means for Swiss and EU businesses alike. Drawing on his 20+ years in finance and his unique perspective as a French expat in Switzerland, Christophe explains the new CSRD/ESRS framework, how non-financial KPIs are now a finance function imperative, and why risk management must expand to cover environmental and social “debts.” Along the way, he shares real-world examples – from chocolate price shocks to cyber-risk parallels – that illustrate why CFOs can no longer sit on the sidelines of sustainability.
About Christophe Gantzer:
Christophe Gantzer is a Paris-born finance executive now based in Switzerland, where he co-founded Clear Edge to deliver fractional and interim CFO services. A former corporate controller and finance leader who’s lived in France, Australia and Switzerland, Christophe collaborates with FS Partners to match businesses with expert CFO talent on demand. He helps European SMEs and startups navigate new reporting mandates, align sustainability with capital strategy, and safeguard long-term value.
What You’ll Learn:
- CSRD & ESRS Demystified: Why Europe’s unified sustainability reporting standards are a game-changer for finance teams.
- Environmental & Social “Debt”: How to think of natural and human resources like balance-sheet obligations – and mitigate exposure.
- Risk Meets ESG: Why banks, insurers and investors now require proof of sustainability risk management before they unlock capital.
- Practical Impact: Real-world case study on cocoa price spikes and what chocolate producers – and any resource-intensive business – can learn.
Episode Highlights:
“Sustainability reporting isn’t just extra paperwork – it merges non-financial KPIs with core finance and risk management.”
“Think of the environment like a bank: you take resources, so you owe ‘repayment’ in the form of renewables or mitigation.”
“Insurance and lending now hinge on your ability to demonstrate you’ve identified and addressed climate and social risks.”
“When cocoa bean prices quadrupped, chocolate manufacturers who’d planned for supply shocks had the edge.”
More About Christophe’s Role:
At Clear Edge, Christophe leads Swiss fractional CFO engagements and partners with FS Partners’ network of former CFOs and controllers. He steers clients through CSRD/ESRS compliance, embeds sustainability risk into financial planning, and supports everything from cash-flow modeling to stakeholder reporting. His mission: bridge traditional finance with emerging ESG demands so companies remain resilient, competitive and investment-ready.
