Can an executive's environmental background be a catalyst for corporate green and low-carbon transformation? - Evidence from 103 energy companies in China

: Based on panel data from 103 A-share listed companies in China's energy sector (2010–2022), this study develops a novel framework to assess corporate green and low-carbon transformation. Given that corporations vary in their green and low-carbon transformation progress and executives' environmental backgrounds exert varying influences, we estimate a Quantile Regression for Panel Data (QRPD) model. Empirical evidence reveals that corporate green and low-carbon transformation is significantly enhanced when executives possess relevant environmental expertise, and this positive linkage intensifies across different stages. The relationship is mediated by corporate ESG performance and corporate resilience, with fintech integration and leadership gender diversity acting as moderators. Additionally, this effect proves particularly substantial in state-owned energy corporations, upstream and downstream energy corporations, corporations with low-carbon emission intensity and corporations with high market competition.