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CEO age and corporate environmental policies

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  • Le, Huong
  • Nguyen, Tung
  • Gregoriou, Andros

Abstract

This study examines the link between CEO age and firm environmental performance. Building on the upper echelons theory, we predict that a firm is more environmentally friendly if CEOs are younger. Using hand-collected data of a total 12,512 plant-year observations for 1,074 individual firms in the period from 2010 to 2022, we document evidence that younger CEOs release significantly less greenhouse gas emissions, consistent with our conjecture. Additionally, we note that younger CEOs outperform older CEOs in terms of greenhouse gas emissions by investing more in abatement initiatives, increasing manufacturing efficiency, and increasing their use of ecologically friendly fuel. Our evidence of CEO age offers relevant implications for directors, shareholders, and financial regulators.

Suggested Citation

  • Le, Huong & Nguyen, Tung & Gregoriou, Andros, 2024. "CEO age and corporate environmental policies," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intfin:v:97:y:2024:i:c:s1042443124001422
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intfin.2024.102076
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