Who is David Kennedy, the new CEO of SBTi?
Just under 40% of global market cap companies have validated Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) targets or commitments to set targets.
This undoubtedly makes it one of the world's most influential and impactful organisations in the realm of sustainability.
The organisation is the global standard for voluntary climate leadership, providing practical tools and guidelines to support companies as they bid to become more sustainable.
Now, the SBTi has announced the appointment of David Kennedy as CEO to replace interim CEO Sue Jenny Ehr. He is expected to assume the role in the early part of Q2 2025.
Francesco Starace, Chair of SBTi, says: “We are extremely excited to welcome David to the SBTi as our new CEO.
“He has extensive leadership in climate action, a track record of working with both the public and private sector, exceptional strategic capabilities and proven operational effectiveness.”
David adds: "I'm delighted to be joining the SBTi as the new CEO. I admire the impact that SBTi has had, catalysing action by thousands of companies around the world: it is an organisation that really matters.
“I'm excited at the prospect of working with the team and partners to advance the mission of the SBTi and deliver even more change at scale, supporting business to make its contribution to the global climate objective in the next crucial period.”
Meet David Kennedy
David is a Partner for Corporate Sustainability at EY having joined the firm in September 2023.
With the global consulting giant, David has led work on net-zero strategy and planning for international and national businesses across infrastructure, banking, food and manufacturing.
He has extensive experience in sustainability and holds a PhD in Economics from the London School of Economics.
Early in his career, David worked as a Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank and Lead Infrastructure Economist at EBRD.
David was the founding Chief Executive of the UK’s Committee on Climate Change (CCC), an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The committee was established under the Climate Change Act 2008 and formalised the country’s approach to tackling climate change both through mitigation and adaptation.
In 2017, David became Director General of Food, Biosecurity and Trade at the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
In this role, he led on food strategy, including net zero and nature, farming reform and food security, alongside transforming the way the department’s ways of working.
Francesco continues: “David is a true pioneer with unrivalled qualifications. The Board unanimously approved the Nomination Committee’s proposal for David’s appointment and is confident he will help the SBTi’s continued global growth as the SBTi continues to build capacity to ensure that businesses have the confidence and practical tools to decarbonise.”
Why does the SBTi need a new CEO?
Susan Jenny Ehr has been serving as the SBTi’s Interim CEO since previous CEO Luiz Amaral stepped down in July 2024 amid controversy over carbon offsetting.
Following his resignation, Luiz said: “My time as CEO has been incredibly rewarding and I remain steadfast in my belief in the importance, the impact and the promising future of the SBTi.”
Susan previously held the position of Chief Legal Officer and has led SBTi with dedicated support from the Board.
She says: “David's appointment is excellent news for the SBTi and for corporate climate action as a whole. He has extensive experience delivering impact on a global scale and I look forward to welcoming him to the SBTi and working with him to ensure a smooth transition as he takes on his role as CEO.”
Francesco concludes: “I would like to thank Sue Jenny Ehr for all her support and hard work as interim CEO. She has been a steady pair of hands and will provide David with the essential guidance he needs during his first few months.”
WWF-US president and CEO Carter Roberts says: "Ambitious corporate climate targets are only as powerful as the standards and means to achieve them. We look forward to David Kennedy's leadership as he guides SBTi through this critical period to sharpen the science-based standards and approaches for businesses to reduce emissions. And we thank Jenny Ehr for her leadership during this moment of change and transition.
"We are entering a new era of corporate climate action. While the last several years have revealed the real challenges of implementation, science makes clear that weakening our resolve only accelerates both climate impacts and nature loss.
"We look forward to continuing our partnership with SBTi to support companies in navigating this make-or-break decade."
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