Climate consultancy South Pole appoints Daniel Klier as CEO

Global climate consultancy South Pole has appointed Daniel Klier as its new CEO. He takes over from John Davis in May.

In his new role, London-based Daniel Klier will lead a team of over 1,200 staff (internally known as ‘penguins’) across 40+ offices in 6 continents. The former McKinsey-man has been tasked with leading the company through its next phase of growth, meeting booming global demand for climate expertise and services.

“I am honoured to be appointed CEO at an important moment for the group and our planet. I look forward to working with the firm’s many committed and dedicated employees to realising our growth agenda.”

“South Pole must now prepare for the next stage of global climate action. That means enhancing our strategy, ensuring we innovate, and that we meaningfully advance our risk and compliance processes. Trust and transparency will be at the heart of everything we do.”

Since its inception in 2006, South Pole has worked on hundreds of projects in the public and private sector focused on decarbonisation and mobilising climate action. Its track record includes helping channel climate finance to over 850 projects in 50+ countries (combined these projects helped reduce over 200 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions), and helping governments to develop flagship environmental and social projects.

Today, South Pole serves over 1,000 clients across the world, including many Fortune 500 businesses. The company is a social enterprise recognised by the World Economic Forum, and is committed to becoming a B Corp across all of its local entities.

“South Pole has done a huge amount since 2006 to mobilise and drive global climate action. I look forward to continue the company’s journey.”

About Daniel Klier

A widely recognised sustainability expert, Klier has served as the Chair of the Bank of England’s Climate Working Group and Chair of the Institute of International Finance’s Sustainable Finance Working Group. He serves on the Boards of the global sustainability reporting standard GRI and the international organisation Sustainable Energy for All.

He most recently served as the CEO of ESG Book, where he oversaw the company’s growth and established the business as global industry leader in sustainability data. Before that, Klier was Global Head of Sustainable Finance and Group Head of Strategy at HSBC, where he established the bank’s net zero target and ambition to support the energy transition with $1 trillion dollars.

Klier started his career in strategic consulting, spending eight years at McKinsey & Company, where he grew the ranks to partner.