Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Regulation  -  January 9, 2025

SBTi Appoints New CEO

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) announced the appointment of David Kennedy as its new CEO.

Kennedy succeeds Sue Jenny Ehr, who has been serving as interim CEO and will support David as he joins the SBTi to ensure a smooth transition, according to a statement. 

He is expected to start leading the SBTi, including its target validation subsidiary, during the second quarter. Kennedy has decades of experience at the forefront of sustainability and a proven track record of successfully leading complex organizations to deliver impactful change.

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. He held key roles at the World Bank and EBRD early in his career.

He 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 ambitious work plan. Kennedy joins the SBTi at a pivotal moment as it continues its global expansion: Just under 40% of global market cap companies have validated SBTi targets or commitments to set targets with the strongest growth seen in Asia. 

The SBTi remains the global standard for voluntary climate leadership, aiding businesses in their pursuit of ambitious climate goals with practical tools and guidelines. This year it will initiate a consultation for the updated corporate net-zero standard and continue to develop sector-specific standards.

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