Daniel Klier new CEO of global climate consultancy South Pole
Global climate consultancy South Pole has selected the successor for its CEO John Davis. Based in the UK, climate expert Daniel Klier will take on the role from May 2024.
Klier said of the news, “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.”
He added that as he prepares to take over, South Pole must “prepare for the next stage of global climate action”. For the consultancy, that means enhancing its strategy, innovation services, and risk and compliance processes – as “trust and transparency will be at the heart of everything we do.”
Founded in 2006, South Pole is a global consulting firm which develops and implements emission reduction projects and strategies for companies, governments and organisations around the world. Headquartered in Zurich, the firm has spread to 42 locations across six continents – and as demand for sustainability consulting is on the rise, it is looking to expand its offering across those locales.
Based in London, Klier will lead the firm’s 1,200 staff – who call themselves ‘penguins’ – as it looks to build on its impressive track record. That includes having helped to channel climate finance to over 850 projects in more than 50 countries, which have helped reduce a combined 200 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions. The firm now serves over 1,000 clients around the world, including many Fortune 500 businesses.
Klier arrives having spent almost two decades in the professional services and financial sectors, where he has specialised in helping firms with sustainability transformations. Having spent eight years with McKinsey & Company, where he was latterly a partner, he has since held senior sustainability positions with UK Finance, the Institute of International Finance, HSBC, and ESG Book.
Looking ahead, he will look to lead South Pole through its next phase of growth. To that end, he added, “I look forward to continue the company’s journey.”