David Kennedy has been appointed as the new CEO of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), replacing Sue Jenny Ehr, who had been acting as interim CEO. In Q2, he is anticipated to start the position.
Kennedy is credited with spearheading work on net-zero strategy and planning for both domestic and foreign companies in his present role as a partner at EY. He previously served in the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs as the director general of food, biosecurity, and trade.
Kennedy was also in charge of establishing the UK’s Committee on Climate Change, where he served as its chief executive, supervising the carbon budgets, sector paths, and important policies for the nation’s net-zero transition.
Kennedy has been given the responsibility of overseeing SBTi as it develops to serve a greater number of multinational corporations while making sure it has the necessary organisational structures and technological capabilities to do so. SBTi “remains the global standard for voluntary climate leadership,” with just under 40 per cent of the world’s market-cap corporations having validated SBTi aims or commitments.
Kennedy had “a track record of working with both the public and private sector, exceptional strategic capabilities, and proven operational effectiveness,” according to Francesco Starace, chair of the SBTi. The firm was “confident that he will help the SBTi’s continued global growth,” and his appointment followed unanimous approval of the Nomination Committee’s suggestion.
