The Climate Group has named Helen Clarkson, currently serving as interim chief operating officer at Forum for the Future, as its new chief executive following the departure of Mark Kenber in June last year.
Clarkson has headed up the sustainability charity since October 2015 having previously served in a number of senior roles and establishing the Forum’s US presence. Prior to this, the trained chartered accountant served as UK head of finance for international humanitarian NGO, Médecins Sans Frontières.
She will succeed Damian Ryan, who has been acting in the position since July 2016 when Kenber left to become managing director of clean energy supplier Mongoose.
Clarkson said: “I have long been an admirer of The Climate Group in both its ability to convene high profile businesses and governments, and demonstrating what change can look like through its initiatives.
“I think now, more than ever, there is an imperative for strong civil society leadership and action, and I look forward to working with the team in driving forward initiatives such as RE100 and work with states and regions, to help us achieve a prosperous clean economy.”
The Climate Group has also appointed Viki Cooke, founding partner of research consultancy BritainThinks, as a trustee of the UK board.
On her appointment, Cooke said: “With the issue of climate change growing ever more important, I look forward to working with the UK Board to help drive ambitious climate action.”
Commenting on the appointments, Joan MacNaughton, chair of The Climate Group’s board, said: “I am confident that the breadth and depth of experience that each of them will bring will be invaluable in increasing the impact of our work at this key time.
“With our newly strengthened organization, I am confident we can increase the momentum of climate action in the coming years.”
Both come into post from 6 March 2017.