Kate Brandt

Chief Sustainability Officer at Google & Former Federal Chief Sustainability Officer at The White House

Kate Brandt’s Biography:

Kate Brandt is an inspiring and dynamic speaker known for her ability to translate complex sustainability challenges into clear, motivating action. Her talks blend deep expertise with an engaging, down-to-earth style that resonates with audiences from global executives to university students. With a calm authority and a forward-looking vision, she speaks passionately about the intersection of technology, policy, and the environment, encouraging practical and ambitious pathways toward a more sustainable future.

Kate’s career began in public service, where she worked on energy and environmental policy within the U.S. government. Early roles in the White House and the Department of Defence shaped her understanding of how large institutions can drive meaningful environmental change. She quickly established herself as a trusted advisor on sustainability, serving as Director for Energy and Environment for the White House and later as Senior Advisor for the U.S. Department of Energy. Her appointment as the first Federal Chief Sustainability Officer at the White House in 2014 marked a pivotal moment, where she led efforts to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across federal operations.

Today, Kate is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Google, where she guides the company’s ambitious environmental agenda, focusing on achieving net-zero emissions and circular economy goals. Alongside her corporate leadership, she served as an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University and as a Director at EVgo, supporting the transition to electric mobility. In 2024, she joined the Board of Trustees for the National Geographic Society, reinforcing her lifelong commitment to education, science, and conservation.

Kate’s achievements have earned her widespread recognition. She received the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award for her pioneering work in helping the Navy “go green.” In 2021, Fortune Magazine named her to their prestigious 40 Under 40 list, while Outside Magazine honoured her as one of 40 women who have made a lasting impact on the world.

Why Hire Kate Brandt?

Kate Brandt is a highly sought-after speaker because she bridges the worlds of government policy, corporate innovation, and environmental science with exceptional clarity and authority. She offers first-hand insight into what it takes to lead large-scale transformation across complex organisations. Her talks provide audiences with a rare blend of strategic depth and practical solutions, showcasing how technology and collaboration can accelerate sustainability goals. Whether addressing global corporations, academic institutions, or policy forums, Kate has a distinctive ability to make sustainability both actionable and inspiring.

Audiences are drawn to Kate’s calm confidence and her genuine passion for building a better future. She has delivered keynote speeches at leading global conferences, including climate leadership summits, international business forums, and technology events, where she engages listeners with real examples of innovation driving change. Her approach is both visionary and grounded, demonstrating how companies can achieve measurable results while creating long-term environmental and social value. By hiring Kate, organisations gain not only an exceptional speaker but also a trusted voice in the global sustainability movement—someone who inspires people to turn ambition into impact.

Kate Brandt’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Kate Brandt’s extraordinary career:

• 2025 – Led Google’s sustainability strategy as Chief Sustainability Officer, helping the company reduce its data-centre energy emissions by 12% in 2024
• 2024 – Appointed Member of the Board of Trustees, National Geographic Society, supporting global conservation, exploration, and education initiatives
• 2021 – Joined EVgo as Director, helping to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure and accelerate clean transportation adoption
• 2018 – Became Chief Sustainability Officer at Google, leading global sustainability strategy and advancing the company’s commitment to net-zero operations
• 2018 – Appointed Adjunct Professor in the Change Leadership for Sustainability Programme at Stanford University, mentoring future sustainability leaders
• 2015 – Promoted to Lead for Sustainability at Google, driving early-stage environmental and energy efficiency initiatives across the company
• 2014 – Served as Federal Chief Sustainability Officer at the White House, overseeing sustainability policies across all U.S. federal agencies
• 2013 – Senior Advisor for the U.S. Department of Energy, shaping national energy efficiency and clean technology initiatives
• 2013 – Director for Energy and Environment for the White House, coordinating environmental strategy and policy development
• 2009 – Special Advisor for Energy to the Secretary of the Navy, Department of Defence, pioneering renewable energy integration in military operations
• 2008 – Policy Analyst in the Office of Energy and Climate Change for the White House, contributing to early federal climate policy initiatives