The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has named David Kennedy as its new CEO following a global recruitment process, the organization said on its website on Tuesday.
Kennedy succeeds interim CEO Sue Jenny Ehr, who will assist in the transition. He will oversee the SBTi and its target validation subsidiary, steering the organization through its continued global expansion.
Kennedy brings decades of expertise in sustainability and organizational leadership, SBTi stressed.
Currently a partner at leading consultancy EY, he has guided major corporations in net-zero strategy across industries like banking, food, and manufacturing.
His extensive public sector experience includes serving as Director General of Food, Biosecurity, and Trade at the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), where he led food strategy, farming reform, and climate initiatives.
Notably, Kennedy was the founding Chief Executive of the UK’s Committee on Climate Change (CCC), where he played a pivotal role in developing the nation’s net-zero frameworks, policies, and milestones.
He also occupied senior roles at the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and holds a PhD in economics from the London School of Economics.
Relevant: SBTi Revising Its Guidance On Carbon Removal
Kennedy joins SBTi at a crucial time, with nearly 40% of global market-cap companies aligned with SBTi targets or commitments.
Under his leadership, the organization will focus on expanding technical capacity, updating the Corporate Net-Zero Standard, and developing sector-specific frameworks.
Francesco Starace, Chair of SBTi, highlighted Kennedy’s unmatched qualifications, calling him a “true pioneer” in climate leadership.
Kennedy expressed excitement about advancing SBTi’s mission, stating, “I admire the impact that SBTi has had, catalyzing action by thousands of companies around the world: it is an organization that really matters.”
Kennedy is set to begin in early Q2, pending final agreement with EY.
Read more: SBTi Releases Technical Publications As Part Of Corporate Net-Zero Standard Revision
