Juan Verde

Former Adviser to The Clinton & Obama Administrations, Founder of The Advanced Leadership Foundation & One of The 100 Most Influential Latinos Committed to Climate Action

Juan Verde’s Biography:

Juan Verde is an international strategist, climate advocate and policy expert who has advised US Presidents, global corporations and multilateral institutions on sustainable growth and economic diplomacy. With a background spanning public service, international trade and environmental leadership, he has built a reputation as one of the most influential Latino voices in climate action. As founder of the Advanced Leadership Foundation, Juan works at the intersection of profit and planet, promoting responsible investment and global cooperation.

Juan began his academic journey with a BA in Political Science and International Relations from Boston University before earning a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School. Early in his career, he served as a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Fellow and later worked as an International Trade Analyst at the US Department of Commerce. These roles laid the foundation for his work in international economic policy and transatlantic relations.

In 2012, Juan was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasia at the US Department of Commerce, where he strengthened trade and diplomatic ties across the region. He also served as an Adviser to the Obama and Clinton administrations and later contributed to the 2020 Biden presidential campaign. Alongside public service, he founded Alamo Solutions and has worked with organisations including the World Bank, Google, Cisco and the World Economic Forum.

Through the Advanced Leadership Foundation, established in 2013, Juan has hosted more than ten international climate summits across five countries, bringing together policymakers, CEOs and activists to accelerate climate solutions. Recognised by Sachamama as one of the 100 Most Influential Latinos Committed to Climate Action, he continues to lead global conversations on sustainable investment, energy transition and economic resilience.

Why Hire Juan Verde?

Juan is hired as a speaker for his rare ability to connect climate strategy with economic opportunity. Having worked at the highest levels of US government and international policy, he offers credible insight into how sustainability, trade and geopolitics intersect. His keynote tour, Profit Meets Planet, demonstrates how environmental responsibility and financial performance can align for long-term growth.

He has addressed audiences at UN Climate Conferences, the World Economic Forum and leading global institutions, equipping decision-makers with practical frameworks for responsible leadership. His climate and sustainability work has been acknowledged by Pope Francis, reflecting the global moral and social significance of his advocacy. Juan brings diplomatic experience, corporate insight and international credibility, making him particularly effective with boards, investors and senior leadership teams navigating the energy transition.

Juan Verde’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Juan Verde’s remarkable career:

• 2025 – Invited to speak at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, contributing to global dialogue on climate policy.
• 2024 – Appointed Vice Chairman of Volcan Compañía Minera, supporting strategic direction within the global mining and energy transition sector.
• 2020 – Recognised by Sachamama as one of the 100 Most Influential Latinos Committed to Climate Action.
• 2013 – Founded the Advanced Leadership Foundation, hosting international climate and sustainability summits worldwide.
• 2012 – Appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasia at the US Department of Commerce.
• 2012 – Elected to the Alumni Board of Directors at Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
• 2004 – Founded Alamo Solutions, advising companies on international expansion and public affairs.
• 1998 – Completed a Master’s degree in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School.
• 1998 – Served with the Minority Business Development Agency at the US Department of Commerce.
• 1995 – Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Fellow and International Trade Analyst at the US Department of Commerce, Office of Latin America.
• 1993 – Graduated with a BA in Political Science and International Relations from Boston University.