The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) announced today the appointment of Maria Outters as Chief Impact Officer, a newly created role for the organization, aimed at driving strategic engagements, strengthening governance, and accelerating the growth of corporate climate action.

Founded in 2015, SBTi was formed as a collaboration between CDP, World Resources Institute (WRI), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), with the goal to establish science-based environmental target setting as a standard corporate practice.

The initiative has emerged as one of the key organizations focused on aligning corporate environmental sustainability action with the global goals of addressing and limiting climate change. Last year, the initiative appointed its first CEO, Luiz Amaral.

Amaral said: 

“Last year I announced plans to expand and strengthen the SBTi’s executive leadership team to support this growth, and I’m delighted that Maria has now joined us. She brings with her extensive sustainability expertise, as well as strong corporate leadership experience. I know she’ll be a huge asset to the SBTi, helping us to accelerate the impact we’re already driving in the private sector.”

In her new role, Outters will be responsible for leading SBTi’s global engagement strategy, and for supporting the incorporation of the initiative as a standalone NGO later this year, as well as its goals to reach 10,000 companies with science-based targets representing 5GT of emissions and 20% of the global economy.

Outters joins SBTi after more than 15 years at Sodexo, where she held various senior leadership positions, and most recently served as Group SVP Sustainability/ Corporate Responsibility.

Outters said: 

“Time is running out to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, and we must expand the role of the private sector in rapidly cutting greenhouse gas emissions. That’s why I joined the SBTi – to advance this proven method for companies to align their operations and strategies with climate science. I thank the board for entrusting me with this position and look forward to working with this exceptional team.”

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