The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has named David Kennedy as CEO. Kennedy takes the helm after a year of controversy when the organization announced, and later rescinded, a position that it would begin accepting carbon offsets as part of its emissions accounting system.
The SBTi, a collaborative of CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the We Mean Business Coalition, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), develops standards, tools and guidance for companies to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions targets using data and science in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net-zero by 2050 at latest.
Kennedy will lead the SBTi as it evolves to support a wider range of companies around the world, ensuring it has the appropriate structures and technical capacity to deliver its workplan. Acccording to the organization, just under 40% of global market cap companies have validated SBTi targets or commitments to set targets, with the strongest growth seen in Asia. This year, it will initiate a consultation for the updated Corporate Net-Zero Standard and continue to develop sector-specific standards.
“I am delighted to be joining the SBTi as the new CEO,” Kennedy said. “I’ve spent much of my career working on energy, climate change and sustainability with governments and the private sector. 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 am 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.”
Kennedy currently serves as Partner at EY, where he has led work on net-zero strategy and planning for international and national businesses across banking, food, infrastructure and manufacturing.
He was previously Director General of Food, Biosecurity and Trade at the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), where he led on food strategy, including net-zero and nature, food security, and farming reform, as well as transforming the department’s ways of working.
Kennedy was also the founding Chief Executive of the UK’s Committee on Climate Change (CCC). Under his leadership, the CCC designed sector pathways, carbon budgets, targets, metrics, milestones, and key policies for the nation’s net-zero transition. David held key roles at the World Bank and EBRD early in his career. He has a PhD in economics from the London School of Economics.
“We are extremely excited to welcome David to the SBTi as our new CEO,” said Francesco Starace, Chair of SBTi. “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. As the founding Chief Executive of the UK’s Committee on Climate Change (CCC), David is a true pioneer with unrivalled qualifications. The Board unanimously approved the Nomination Committee’s proposal for David’s appointment and is confident that 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 decarbonize.
“I would also 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.”
