Anthesis and Charlescannon merge to drive brand value through credible and creative purpose-led communications

Anthesis, the largest group of dedicated sustainability professionals globally, has announced its merger with impact-led creative change agency, Charlescannon.

This strategic agreement responds to the rise of regulatory and stakeholder pressures for credible communications on sustainability goals and the risks surrounding greenwashing and ESG misrepresentation. 

Located in Geneva, Switzerland, close to the global headquarters of many of its corporate clients, Charlescannon was established in 2007 to conceive, build and drive sustainable brands. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Ben Pankhurst and COO Katja Wagner-Pankhurst, Charlescannon has grown to 40+ multi-talented strategists, copywriters, designers, project managers, photographers, videographers, and developers.  

Building on an existing relationship nurtured through joint client collaborations, including Nestlé, the merger blends Anthesis’ decade of experience addressing the reality of the climate crisis and the complex ESG reporting market with Charlescannon’s talent to translate the science and analytics into a brand strategy that drives impact and changes behaviours.  

International in diversity and mindset, the Charlescannon team prides itself on creating purpose-led branding, campaigns and reporting for consumers, society, customers, and employees. Delivering brand messages accurately and confidently to maximise brand effectiveness, Charlescannon’s clients range from multi-national brands to health-related charities, including the World Heart Day campaign, which was activated in 170 countries and 48 languages. 

Stuart McLachlan, CEO of Anthesis, comments, “Organisations progressing their sustainability goals deserve to be rewarded in brand value and positive stakeholder engagement, however growing nervousness around greenwashing accusations drives reluctance to communicate. By blending Anthesis’ deep technical and scientific expertise with the creative and strategic approaches of the Charlescannon team, we’re providing our clients with the necessary platform to communicate confidently, delivered by one team who can guide them throughout their sustainable performance journey.” 

Ben Pankhurst, Founder and CEO of Charlescannon, said, “Creativity is the catalyst that inspires the ‘doing’ in sustainability. Together, we have the potential to accelerate transformative change and make sustainable performance a habit.” 

This strategic deal further establishes Anthesis in the Swiss market and bolsters its established communications capabilities beyond impactful corporate narratives and positioning, education and stakeholder engagement strategies, and best-in-class sustainability and ESG reports. Furthermore, the deal provides Charlescannon clients with access to Anthesis’ full suite of advisory, digital and carbon projects solutions and experts across its global network. The collective offering brings Anthesis Group to 1,250 sustainability specialists with offices in 23 countries.