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Daniel Klier

Daniel Klier Joins South Pole as CEO

Daniel Klier has been appointed as the new CEO of South Pole. He joins from ESG Book, a sustainability data and technology platform, where he served as CEO and led the company to become a global industry leader. Prior to this, Daniel was the Global Head of Sustainable Finance and Group Head of Strategy at HSBC, where he established the bank's net zero target and committed $1 trillion to support the energy transition. His career began at McKinsey & Company, where he was a Partner, helping companies enhance their organizational performance and international growth.

Professional Background

Leadership and Expertise

Daniel is a widely recognized sustainability expert. He has served as:

Role at South Pole

Daniel will be responsible for further developing and institutionalizing South Pole's focus on exceeding industry risk, integrity, and compliance standards. He will lead the organization into its next phase of growth. Recently, South Pole also appointed Antoine Prédour as the dedicated Chief Risk Officer.

The South Pole Board and Daniel extend their gratitude to John Davis for his stewardship as Interim CEO since November 2023. John will continue to contribute to South Pole's success at an executive level and support a smooth leadership transition.

Statements from Leadership

Daniel Klier, Incoming CEO of South Pole

"South Pole has done a huge amount since 2006 to mobilize global climate action. It pioneered the global carbon market, helped governments develop flagship environmental and social projects, and enabled businesses to positively address their climate impact. I am honored to be appointed CEO at an important moment for the group and our planet.

"South Pole must now prepare for the next stage of global climate action. That means enhancing our strategy, ensuring we innovate, and meaningfully advancing our risk and compliance processes. Trust and transparency will be at the heart of our next chapter, and I look forward to working with the group's many committed and dedicated employees to achieve that."

Pal Erik Sjatil, Managing Partner and CEO at Lightrock

"Daniel has joined South Pole's leadership team at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the evolution of the wider sector. As a business advisor, sustainability advocate, and highly capable strategic leader, Daniel is ideally positioned to drive the company forward and advance its commendable mission to deliver climate impact at scale by transforming climate action into long-term business opportunities for companies, governments, and organizations globally. We wish him every success in his new post."

Frederick Teo, Chief Executive Officer of GenZero

"The carbon markets are going through challenging times. As an industry pioneer, it is critical for South Pole to demonstrate steadfast leadership, high levels of integrity and technical competence, as well as humility and a willingness to learn as we navigate these challenges. Daniel is well-placed to steer South Pole through its next chapter of growth, having helmed several senior and international roles across sustainability and finance. He has also shown the ability to build and inspire teams with a strong sense of mission. We are confident that Daniel's strong commitment to South Pole will ultimately deliver better climate impact and propel the wider industry forward."

With Daniel Klier at the helm, South Pole is poised to continue its leadership in global climate action, driving innovation and maintaining the highest standards of integrity and compliance.