Kennedy steps into the role previously held by Sue Jenny Ehr, who worked as SBTi’s interim CEO and will assist in the transition.
Prior to joining SBTi David Kennedy served as a corporate sustainability partner at EY where he spearheaded initiatives on net-zero strategies for various sectors including banking and manufacturing.
Go deeper with GlobalData
He also held the position of director general of food, biosecurity and trade at the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
With a PhD in economics from the London School of Economics, Kennedy was also the chief executive of the UK’s Committee on Climate Change (CCC).
Under his new position as SBTi CEO, Kennedy will oversee the organisation as it expands to assist a broader spectrum of companies globally, ensuring the organisation has the necessary structures and technical expertise to execute its ambitious workplan.
Kennedy is expected to assume his role in the early second quarter of this year pending final arrangements with EY.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataSBTi chair Francesco Starace 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.
“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 decarbonise. 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.”
His tenure at SBTi comes at a critical juncture, with the organisation poised to enhance its support for an increasing number of global companies.
Notably, nearly 40% of companies with significant market capitalisation have either set SBTi-validated targets or are committed to doing so, with Asia exhibiting remarkable growth in this area.
SBTi, which is recognised as the benchmark for voluntary climate action among businesses, provides essential resources and guidance to facilitate corporate efforts toward ambitious climate objectives. It collaborates with over 6,000 global businesses.
In the coming year, it plans to launch a consultation for its updated Corporate Net-Zero Standard and develop more sector-specific guidelines.
Global apparel manufacturer ShinWon is one of the latest companies to have secured SBTi approval for its Net-Zero emissions target aimed at achieving net-zero emission by 2050.
This target encompasses commitments to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030 from 2022 levels, and a similar reduction in Scope 3 emissions within the same timeframe. By 2050, ShinWon intends to fully eliminate Scope 1 and 2 emissions and achieve a 90% reduction in Scope 3 emissions.
Zippers, hook and loop fastening manufacturer YKK Corporation has also had its emission reduction targets validated by SBTi as being consistent with the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
YKK Corporation aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 with an ambitious target of reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2018 baseline. The corporation also targets a 30% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2030 from the same base year.
