The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has appointed David Kennedy as its new CEO.

Kennedy was 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, has a PhD in economics from the London School of Economics, was previously director general of food, biosecurity and trade at Defra and currently serves as Partner at EY.

David will lead the SBTi as it enters a pivotal moment in its global expansion: just under 40 per cent of global market cap companies have validated SBTi targets or commitments to set targets, with the strongest growth seen in Asia.

Kennedy said: “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.”

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