SBTi Appoints Climate Economist David Kennedy as Incoming Chief Executive

The Science Based Targets initiative named David Kennedy as its new CEO in January 2025, following an extensive global recruitment process. Kennedy, previously a partner at EY and founding Chief Executive of the UK's Committee on Climate Change, is expected to start in early Q2 2025.

David Kennedy brings decades of experience in sustainability, net-zero strategy, and complex organisational leadership. At EY he led net-zero strategy and planning engagements across banking, food, infrastructure, and manufacturing. As founding Chief Executive of the UK's Committee on Climate Change, he designed sector pathways, carbon budgets, targets, and key policies for the nation's net-zero transition. He also held roles at the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and holds a PhD in economics from the London School of Economics.

Kennedy joins SBTi at a pivotal juncture as the organisation nears 40 percent penetration of global market capitalisation with validated targets or commitments, with the strongest growth occurring in Asia. He will lead SBTi through the revision of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard, the continued expansion of sector-specific standards, and the ongoing separation of standard-setting and validation functions. His background in public policy and private sector advisory is expected to strengthen SBTi's engagement with both governments and corporations globally.

Outgoing interim CEO Sue Jenny Ehr will remain in a support role during the leadership transition. SBTi Chair Francesco Starace described Kennedy as a true pioneer with unrivalled qualifications and unanimous board support. Kennedy stated he is excited by the prospect of advancing SBTi's mission in the next crucial period for climate action, as thousands of companies rely on the organisation's standards and tools to set credible science-based targets.

Key figure — Close to 40% of global market capitalisation covered by SBTi targets or commitments