Deutsche Telekom Appoints Chief Sustainability Officer

Deutsche Telekom has named Robert Metzke as its Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), a role that will see him report directly to CEO Tim Höttges. The move signals an intention to embed sustainability more deeply within the company's strategic decision-making and core operations.

Metzke stated that sustainability must influence how the company shapes its future and steers its business. Deutsche Telekom has a long history of environmental and social responsibility, having reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by over 94 percent compared to 2017 by the end of 2025, meeting its climate targets for its own operations.

The company highlights that evolving business conditions, including climate change impacts, geopolitical shifts, and resource scarcity, coupled with rapid technological advancement, necessitate the integration of sustainability into all business decisions. This applies to investments, technology choices, product development, procurement, and risk management.

Deutsche Telekom emphasizes that its core business of connecting people, companies, and organizations inherently contributes to societal benefits through digital inclusion. The accessibility and security of its networks facilitate learning, work, and communication. Furthermore, the company acknowledges that responsible digitalization and the adoption of artificial intelligence require robust safeguards, such as security, transparency, and resource efficiency, which are foundational for scalable innovation.