The SBTi announces Technical Council appointments for the new term

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has completed the appointment process for the next cohort of its independent Technical Council, following an open, transparent and merit-based selection process conducted in accordance with its governance framework, internal policies and established governance best practice.

The Technical Council is the SBTi's technical decision-making body, operating under delegated authority from the SBTi Board of Trustees to review and approve SBTi Standards and other normative documents. Technical Council members serve in a personal capacity, act exclusively in the public interest, and help ensure the SBTi's normative framework remains scientifically rigorous, evidence-based and operationally effective.

This second cohort of the Technical Council will start in July 2026, providing independent technical oversight of the SBTi's Standards, Methods and Guidance as the organization delivers its Technical Work Plan.

Laura Draucker, formerly Vice Chair of the Technical Council has been appointed Chair, with Piers Forster serving as Vice-Chair. New and reappointed members are:

- Christa Anderson
- Ciniro Costa Junior
- Daniel Schneiders
- Kai Takase
- Kornelis Blok
- Mandy Rambharos
- Michael Gillenwater
- Nicole Röttmer
- Owen Hewlett
- Pankaj Bhatia
- Pedro Faria
- Rebecca Burdon 
- Steven Davis
- Virginia Vilariño

Members are appointed by the Board of Trustees, based on recommendations from a Nominations Committee responsible for leading the selection process. The Committee comprised two independent members, the outgoing Technical Council Chair and Vice-Chair, and a representative of the SBTi Board of Trustees.

These appointments implement a new staggered renewal model approved by the SBTi Board of Trustees in December 2025. Under this model, new members are appointed annually while maintaining continuity of expertise and institutional knowledge. Five members from the first cohort have completed their terms, ten have been reappointed for one- or two-year terms, and six new members have been appointed for an initial three-year term.

For the coming year, the Technical Council will comprise 16 members to support the delivery of the SBTi’s Technical Work Plan and implementation of the refined SBTi Standards architecture. The new cohort reflects a diverse stakeholder balance and new perspectives while providing continuity.

The full membership of the Technical Council is available on the SBTi website, together with further information on the appointment process and Technical Council Nominations Committee Terms of Reference.

Commenting on the appointments, Chief Technical Officer of the SBTi Alberto Carrillo Pineda said: 

"Credible climate standards depend on robust governance as much as they do on sound science. The Technical Council plays a vital role in ensuring that SBTi Standards are developed through independent, evidence-based technical decision-making in the public interest. As we move into implementation of our Strategy and Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0, the Council's extensive expertise and independent oversight will be critical.

“I am delighted to welcome our new members and congratulate those continuing their service. I also want to thank those completing their terms for their dedication and significant contribution throughout the inaugural Council's term. Their expertise has helped strengthen SBTi's technical governance and will leave a lasting legacy for future Councils."

As the SBTi continues to develop and maintain Standards that underpin corporate climate action globally, independent technical governance remains fundamental to ensuring standards are scientifically rigorous, transparently developed and trusted by companies and stakeholders worldwide.