Nigel Topping

High Level Champion for Climate Action, COP26, Global Ambassador for Race To Zero & Race To Resilience & Former CEO of WE MEAN BUSINESS

Nigel Topping’s Biography:

Nigel Topping is one of the world’s most influential voices in climate leadership, known for driving global action across government, business and finance. Appointed the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP26 in 2020, he led international efforts to accelerate progress towards a net-zero, climate-resilient future. His work helped align thousands of companies, cities and financial institutions behind ambitious climate commitments and shaped global frameworks for decarbonisation. In recognition of his impact, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 2022 for services to climate change.

Nigel’s early career began in engineering and manufacturing after graduating from the University of Cambridge. He worked as a Manufacturing Systems Engineering Consultant for Lucas Engineering, later becoming a Senior Consultant for Lucas Industries before progressing to factory and operations leadership roles at BBA Group. By 2004, he had risen to Group Executive for Supply Chain Management and Change Management at TMD Friction, gaining extensive experience in global operations, innovation and transformation. These foundations shaped his approach to system change and large-scale industrial decarbonisation.

From 2007, Nigel moved decisively into climate action, serving first as Chief Innovation Officer and then Executive Director at CDP, one of the world’s leading environmental disclosure organisations. Between 2015 and 2020, he was CEO of We Mean Business, a coalition representing the world’s most influential companies committed to climate leadership. His later roles expanded to international influence, including advisory positions at the Grantham Research Institute, FSD Africa, AXA Investment Managers and the National Wealth Fund. In 2023, he became Global Ambassador for Race to Zero and Race to Resilience, and in 2025, he was appointed Chair of the Climate Change Committee.

Today, Nigel remains a leading figure in global climate leadership. He is Co-Founder of Ambition Loop, Honorary Professor of Economics at the University of Exeter Business School and a trusted voice on climate strategy, innovation and system transformation. His work continues to influence policy, finance, business action and international collaboration at the highest levels.

Why Hire Nigel Topping?

Nigel Topping is an exceptional speaker for organisations seeking clarity, direction and inspiration on climate strategy, resilience and the transition to a net-zero world. With experience ranging from engineering leadership to shaping global climate diplomacy, he brings unmatched insight into how governments, industries and financial systems can work together to deliver real change. Nigel simplifies complex climate challenges into clear, actionable steps, offering practical guidance rooted in decades of hands-on experience.

He has delivered influential TED and TEDx talks, including “3 Rules for a Zero-Carbon World“, that highlight the urgency of climate action and the power of collective leadership, making his message both globally recognised and deeply impactful. His ability to challenge assumptions, motivate action and inspire confident climate leadership makes him an outstanding choice for corporate leaders, investors, policymakers and sustainability professionals.

Nigel Topping’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Nigel Topping’s inspirational career throughout business and climate change:

• 2025 – Appointed Chair of the Climate Change Committee, guiding UK climate policy and progress.
• 2024 – Co-founded Ambition Loop to accelerate climate leadership by linking policy and business action.
• 2023 – Became Global Ambassador for Race to Zero and Race to Resilience.
• 2023 – Senior Climate Adviser at FSD Africa, supporting climate finance across the continent.
• 2023 – Joined the Advisory Committee of AXA Investment Managers as an external member.
• 2022 – Awarded CMG for services to climate change.
• 2021 – Appointed Honorary Professor in Economics at the University of Exeter Business School.
• 2020 – Served as UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP26.
• 2015 – Became CEO of We Mean Business, shaping global corporate climate commitments.
• 2007 – Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of CDP.
• 1988 – Held senior engineering, consulting and operational leadership roles at Lucas Industries, BBA Group and TMD Friction.
• 1985 – Graduated from the University of Cambridge with an MA in Mathematics.