Luiz Amaral to step down as CEO of Science Based Targets initiative

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) announces that Dr Luiz Amaral has informed the Board of the SBTi of his intention to step down from his role as CEO for personal reasons. Susan Jenny Ehr, currently Chief Legal Officer, will step in as interim CEO, with dedicated support by the Board. The decision will take effect at the end of July and Dr Amaral will support the changeover of leadership. A recruitment process for a permanent CEO has started.

Dr Amaral cited personal reasons for resigning: “These issues require my full attention at this time, prompting my decision to step down.”

Dr Amaral said: “My time as CEO has been incredibly rewarding, and I remain steadfast in my belief in the importance, the impact, and the promising future of the SBTi. When I was appointed as SBTi’s first CEO, my objective was to transform the initiative from an informal group into a structured and professional organization that can drive exponential growth in corporate target setting on a global scale. Since then we have incorporated SBTi as an independent organization and established transparent governance structures and processes. Also, the number of companies with validated targets has risen more than five-fold to over 5,500 companies, with another 3,200 formally committed to the process. Our work has gone global with major growth outside Europe and North America – especially in Asia. To ensure we can sustain this momentum and improve our governance, we have begun the full separation of standard development and target validation services – which will set SBTi up for the years ahead. Now it is time for new leadership to take the helm and guide the organization into this promising new phase that can deliver even more impact world-wide.”

On behalf of the SBTi Board, Chair Francesco Starace highlighted Dr Amaral’s leadership and contribution to the growth and development of the organization.

Francesco Starace, Chair of SBTi, said: “On behalf of the Board and all the people working in the SBTi, I would like to thank Luiz for his steadfast leadership, and for his dedication and passion in pursuing the aims of SBTi. During Luiz’s tenure the SBTi has achieved incredible growth, structural evolution and driven significant impact in the scale and reach of corporate climate action around the world. The Board welcomes Susan Jenny Ehr as interim CEO and is grateful to Luiz and all the SBTi staff who will ensure a smooth transition. The crucial work of SBTi will continue, thanks to the committed efforts and dedication of colleagues, alongside the Technical Council and all of those within companies who put their trust in SBTi. Together we remain focused on our collective efforts to help companies around the world to deliver on the commitments of the Paris Agreement.”