Executive Director & Chief Acceleration Officer of Forum For The Future, Former Director of Environmental Management & Sustainability at Casella Stanger, Appointed OBE for Services to Sustainability & Named Forbes Top 100 UK Leading Environmentalist
Dr Sally Uren’s Biography:
Dr Sally Uren is one of the UK’s most respected voices on sustainability, systems change and regenerative business. Best known for serving as Chief Executive of Forum for the Future from 2013 to 2024, Sally has spent decades helping organisations navigate the transition towards more sustainable and resilient futures. Now Executive Director and Chief Acceleration Officer at Forum for the Future, she is widely recognised for advising global businesses, policymakers and industry leaders on climate resilience, sustainable growth and long-term transformation. As a keynote speaker, Sally is valued for her ability to translate complex sustainability challenges into practical, commercially relevant strategies for organisations worldwide.
Sally holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences and began her career shaping the sustainability agenda within the corporate sector. In 1992, she became Director of Environmental Management & Sustainability at Casella Stanger, where she founded the company’s sustainability division and spent over a decade building its influence. In 2002, Sally joined Forum for the Future as Deputy Chief Executive before progressing to Chief Executive in 2013. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded major initiatives, including Growing our Future, The Business Transformation Compass and the Climate and Health Coalition, helping businesses and industries accelerate systemic change.
Recognised as a leading authority on sustainability, Sally was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to sustainability in business and was named one of Forbes’ 100 UK Leading Environmentalists in 2020. Beyond her executive roles, she has served as an Advisory Board Member for Bentley Motors and EcoVadis, Trustee of the Galapagos Conservation Trust and Non-Executive Director for Travalyst. Sally has also advised brands including Kimberly Clark, Kingfisher and Burberry, while serving as a judge for the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development.
An experienced and engaging speaker, Sally regularly appears at major global events including Trellis, Sustainable Brands, Reuters Responsible Business Europe and Climate Week New York. Her keynote speeches focus on systemic change, just and regenerative business, climate resilience and the future of sustainable leadership. Combining scientific expertise with boardroom experience, Sally equips audiences with actionable insight on how organisations can create meaningful environmental and commercial impact in an increasingly complex world.
Why Hire Dr Sally Uren?
Dr Sally Uren is hired as a speaker for her exceptional ability to connect sustainability ambition with practical business transformation. With experience advising global organisations, leading major sustainability initiatives and speaking at internationally recognised events, she delivers insightful and forward-thinking keynotes on climate resilience, regenerative business and systemic change. Sally has appeared at events including Sustainable Brands, Reuters Responsible Business Europe, Economist Impact and Climate Week New York, where she shares expert guidance on navigating sustainability challenges while driving innovation, growth and long-term organisational resilience in a rapidly changing global economy.
Dr Sally Uren’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Dr Sally Uren’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Co-facilitated the workshop “CSRD – A Definitive How to?” at Economist Impact 10th Annual Sustainability Week, helping organisations navigate evolving sustainability reporting requirements.
- 2024 – Contributed to Climate Week New York discussions on strategic climate partnerships and the relationship between growth and sustainability.
- 2020 – Named by Forbes as one of the 100 UK Leading Environmentalists in recognition of her impact on sustainability leadership.
- 2017 – Awarded an OBE for services to sustainability in business and her contribution to advancing corporate environmental responsibility.
- 2013 – Appointed Chief Executive of Forum for the Future, leading the organisation’s global sustainability and systems change strategy for eleven years.
- 2002 – Joined Forum for the Future as Deputy Chief Executive.
- 1992 – Founded the sustainability division at Casella Stanger as Director of Environmental Management & Sustainability, helping pioneer corporate sustainability consultancy services.
Videos
Dr Sally Uren’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Sally’s talk was really fantastic – she was very thoughtful in how she structured her presentation, bringing in examples that were relevant to our sector and our people. She didn’t shy away from the hard-hitting facts, which is exactly what we wanted, but she also brought in the message around the action. There has been a really nice impact following her talk – numerous people have reached out to me, wanting to watch the talk again, asking for more information, wanting further tips on how they can actively make changes in their own lives, and commenting on how Sally’s talk has made them take a deeper look at their impact on the environment. Of course, from a business perspective, it was galvanising for our senior leaders and was a clear demonstration of the direction and commitment that we are taking as an organisation” – Clare, Boston Scientific
Sally was incredible. We have had phenomenal feedback on her speech. Everyone was impressed with her knowledge and personality. Not only was she inspiring but holding a room in the level of heat we had that day was incredible. – Chloe, giffgaff
Speaking Topics
Dr Sally Uren’s Official Keynote Topics:
- System Change
- Mainstreaming Sustainability in Business
- Sustainable Business Models
- Sustainable Retail
- Sustainable Brands
- Sustainable Food & Agriculture
How Much Does Dr Sally Uren Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Dr Sally Uren?
Dr Sally Uren’s speaking fees typically reflect her exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.