Petra Funds Group Introduces Outsourced ESG Director Services
Petra Funds Group, an independent administrator serving private equity and private credit managers, has launched Outsourced ESG Director Services. The offering gives private fund managers on-demand access to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expertise so they can build and run strong sustainability programs without adding permanent headcount.
The initiative is led by Tamara Close, a veteran practitioner with senior leadership experience at PSP Investments and a track record consulting to a wide range of asset managers. With her guidance, Petra is expanding the depth and consistency of its ESG support for clients across North America.
Why ESG Expertise Matters Now
Private funds are facing a clear shift: investors and regulators are asking sharper questions about how sustainability is integrated into strategy, oversight, and reporting. Petra’s Outsourced ESG Director Services meet that moment by placing an experienced ESG professional inside a manager’s workflow on a fractional basis—someone who functions like part of the internal team, but with the flexibility to scale up or down as needs change.
This model works especially well for firms that don’t yet have a dedicated sustainability leader, or for teams that need additional capacity while rules, frameworks, and investor expectations continue to evolve. Beyond immediate advice, the service covers practical, hands-on work: launch advisory for sustainable funds, portfolio monitoring, exit planning, and thorough reporting to limited partners (LPs) and regulators. The goal is simple and concrete—tailored, usable solutions in a busy, competitive market.
A Practical, Client-First Approach
“We are responding to the needs of limited partners and regulators, providing cost-effective and flexible access to seasoned sustainability professionals,” said Stephen Coats, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Petra. Demand for credible, well-run ESG programs has grown, and Petra’s approach lets managers stand up best-in-class practices quickly, then refine them over time. The result is a clearer story for LPs, more consistent execution, and better alignment with the standards shaping the market.
The Team Behind the Work
Petra’s ESG offering is supported by a team that understands both U.S. and European LP expectations—how diligence is conducted, what gets measured, and what ultimately signals quality. Charlie Chipchase, Managing Director and Head of Europe, underscored the value of Tamara’s background. Her experience gives clients practical insight into what LPs look for in sustainable investments and how to translate those expectations into day-to-day practices that hold up under scrutiny.
Together, the team focuses on one thing: delivering service that fits each client’s investment style, portfolio profile, and reporting needs, without unnecessary complexity.
Tamara Close: A Leader in ESG Strategy
With more than 25 years across the capital markets and ESG strategy, Tamara brings a combination of investment literacy and sustainability know-how. Before joining Petra, she founded Close Group Consulting in 2017 to help managers build ESG strategies and run due diligence—experience informed by her earlier senior tenure at PSP Investments. That blend of internal leadership and external advisory work shapes how she approaches implementation: pragmatic, investor-aware, and built for real-world use.
“Joining Petra at this transformative time for ESG in the private funds sector is exciting,” Tamara said. She aims to deepen client relationships and broaden access to high-caliber ESG solutions, meeting managers where they are and helping them move forward with confidence.
About Petra Funds Group
Petra Funds Group is a fund administrator dedicated to global private investment managers. Its mission is to modernize fund administration by combining seasoned industry judgment with technology that streamlines complex processes. The firm’s work is designed to be hands-on and responsive, with teams that understand the nuances of private equity and private credit.
Services span fund administration, management company support, regulatory compliance, and specialized ESG advisory. Petra operates from New York, Los Angeles, Boston, London, and Amsterdam, supporting a wide range of funds and structures that together represent more than $220 billion in assets.
By prioritizing quality and high-touch service, Petra positions itself as a durable partner for managers who want comprehensive support and practical innovation in an investment landscape that keeps moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Outsourced ESG Director Services?
They’re fractional ESG leadership and execution support for private funds—an experienced professional who functions like part of your team to design, implement, and refine sustainability programs without hiring full-time.
Who is leading the ESG Director Services at Petra?
The initiative is led by Tamara Close, who brings senior experience from PSP Investments and years advising managers through Close Group Consulting.
Why is ESG expertise important for private funds?
LPs and regulators increasingly expect clear, credible ESG integration. Expertise helps managers meet those expectations, strengthen compliance, and run sustainability practices that stand up to diligence.
What additional services does Petra offer?
Alongside ESG advisory, Petra provides fund administration, management company services, and regulatory compliance, giving private investment managers an end-to-end operating partner.
How does Petra differentiate itself in the market?
Petra pairs deep industry experience with technology and a high-touch service model, delivering tailored, reliable support that fits each manager’s strategy and reporting needs.
