Executive Opportunities

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SBTi – Science Target Based Initiative  
Chief Executive Officer

London, United Kingdom
2304-047L

The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) seeks to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer.

The SBTi is a corporate climate action organisation that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis. It develops standards, tools and guidance which allow companies to set greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net zero by 2050 at the latest. It also provides a validation service for companies to ensure that their emissions reductions targets conform with the SBTi’s science-based criteria.

Founded in 2014 by CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the We Mean Business Coalition, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the SBTi’s original ambition was to encourage 100 companies to commit to setting greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in line with climate science. Since then, its impact and reach have grown significantly: at the end of 2023, 4,205 companies had validated SBTi targets, representing 39% of global market capitalisation.

The SBTi’s governance has evolved and matured alongside the organisation’s scale and scope. In 2023, the SBTi initiated the separation of its standard-setting activities and its target validation services into two entities, which will allow the organisation to better deliver on its mission and goals. To reflect this separation, the SBTi incorporated as a UK limited company, gained recognition as a UK charity, and incorporated a separate UK trading subsidiary, SBTi Services Limited, which will house revenue-generating target validation services. The revised governance and operational model brought about a new Board of Trustees comprised of representatives of the founding partners (serving in their individual capacities) and three independent trustees. It also developed a technical governance and oversight model to enhance the effectiveness, rigor, and credibility of the SBTi’s standards, methods, and guidance.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will have both organisations under his or her remit, and will lead the development and implementation of the SBTi’s vision and strategy at the outset of a new strategy cycle. S/he will represent, protect, and strengthen the SBTi’s credibility and independence as the pioneering initiative for demonstrating corporate climate leadership and will build confidence and momentum among stakeholder groups, including donors. The CEO will also play a key role in managing and motivating staff, and will have final oversight of day-to-day operations.

The SBTi has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to assist with this appointment. To apply, please send your full CV, and supporting statement briefly highlighting your experience and skills against the requirements of the role to responses@russellreynolds.com.

The closing date for applications is 11 October at 11:59 pm CET.

Position Specification