The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has announced David Kennedy as its new CEO, following a global recruitment process. He replaces Sue Jenny Ehr, who served as interim CEO and will assist with the transition. Kennedy will lead the SBTi and its target validation subsidiary.
Kennedy brings decades of experience in sustainability leadership. Currently serving as Partner at EY, he has guided net-zero strategies across banking, food, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. Previously, as Director General at the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), he managed food strategy, net-zero policies, and departmental reforms. As the founding Chief Executive of the UK’s Committee on Climate Change (CCC), Kennedy led the development of carbon budgets, sector pathways, and net-zero policies. His early career included roles at the World Bank and EBRD. Kennedy holds a PhD in economics from the London School of Economics.
He takes charge as the SBTi grows globally, with nearly 40% of global market cap companies adopting its standards or committing to set targets. The initiative aims to expand sector-specific standards and update its Corporate Net-Zero Standard this year. Kennedy is expected to begin his tenure in early Q2, subject to agreement with EY.
Francesco Starace, Chair of SBTi said, “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. 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 decarboniae.”
David Kennedy, incoming CEO said, “I am delighted to be joining the SBTi as the new CEO. 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.”
