OMERS Jonathan Simmons and Olumide Olawale recognized
June 16, 2025
OMERS came away with two distinct pieces of recognition at this year’s Finance for the Future Awards, where organizations and finance professionals who have shown leadership in embedding sustainability into their financial decision-making are recognized.
Jonathan Simmons, OMERS Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, took home a Social Impact leadership award, with the judges stating they "were impressed by the breadth and particularly the strategic impact of [his] leadership. He demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and a clear understanding of his influence as CFO. He shows an exceptional ability to drive cultural and systemic change, build trust across stakeholders, influence capital markets, and create a multiplier effect by empowering others.”
Olu Olawale, Manager, Sustainable Investing, was named Highly Commended in the Rising Star category, where the judges noted how "Olu has successfully blended his substantive professional strength with succinct communication and 'multilingual' capacity to bridge the disciplines of sustainability and finance. His self-awareness drives his continued professional development and positive contributions towards his company and industry.”
The 2025 Finance for the Future Awards highlighted the role of finance in tackling global challenges – from climate risk and biodiversity loss to social inequality. Said the organizers, “This year’s winners demonstrated that sustainability and financial strategy are no longer separate agendas, but fundamentally interlinked in building a better future.”
“All the finalists exemplify the leadership our world needs – bold, innovative and grounded in long-term value creation,” says Jessica Fries, Executive Chairman of A4S. “They are showing that finance has a critical role to play in shaping a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.”