Steve Howard

Vice Chairman of Sustainability at Temasek, Former Ikea Global Sustainability Director & Board Member of GenZero

Steve Howard’s Biography:

Steve Howard is best known as one of the world’s most influential sustainability leaders, recognised for transforming corporate climate strategy and championing ambitious global action. As IKEA’s Global Sustainability Director, he shaped the game-changing “People and Planet Positive” strategy, leading research that drove €3 billion of investment into wind energy and helped position IKEA as a top-five sustainable business worldwide.

Steve’s early career was defined by his commitment to environmental activism, science, and policy engagement. In 2003, he founded The Climate Group, a landmark international non-profit that united business and government leaders around urgent climate solutions. His work laid the foundation for new cross-sector alliances and elevated him as a trusted global voice on renewable energy, environmental policy, and corporate responsibility.

Throughout his career, Steve has launched, chaired, and advised numerous high-impact initiatives that have shaped the future of sustainability. He co-founded and chairs the We Mean Business Coalition—today one of the world’s most influential networks driving corporate climate leadership. His roles at the World Economic Forum, including co-chairing the Environment & Natural Resources Future Council, further established him as a strategic thinker shaping global climate discourse. Steve has continued this momentum through senior advisory roles spanning Longview Innovation, Temasek, Decarbonisation Partners, LeapFrog Investments, GenZero, and others—helping steer billions of dollars toward clean energy and decarbonisation.

As a speaker, Steve brings unmatched experience from the front lines of global sustainability transformation. His insights blend science, innovation, policy, and real-world corporate strategy. Audiences value his ability to inspire action, cut through complexity, and provide clear pathways for climate-positive business growth. Whether speaking to governments, global corporations, or academic institutions, Steve delivers messages that empower organisations to accelerate change—and embrace sustainability as a driver of innovation and long-term value.

Why Hire Steve Howard?

Steve Howard is hired by organisations seeking bold, practical, and high-impact sustainability insights. His TED talk, “Let’s Go All-In On Selling Sustainability,” reached global audiences, challenging companies and individuals to embrace climate-positive change at scale. With decades of experience influencing global climate policy, accelerating corporate transformation, and founding international climate coalitions, he offers clarity, inspiration, and actionable strategies. His talks help leaders navigate the realities of climate change, harness innovation, and embed sustainability at the core of team culture, business models, and long-term growth.

Steve Howard’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Steve’s highlights that influenced his incredible career in sustainability:

• 2025 – Delivered talk at TED Countdown Summit in Nairobi, ‘4 Hard Truths About Capitalism and Climate’
• 2024 – Vice Chairman of Sustainability, Temasek
• 2024 – Climate Advisory Board Chair, LeapFrog Investments
• 2022 – Founding Chair & Board Member, We Mean Business Collective
• 2022 – Board Member & Investment Committee Chair, GenZero
• 2021 – Chief Sustainability Officer, Temasek
• 2016 – Co-Chair, Environment & Natural Resources Global Future Council, World Economic Forum
• 2014 – Co-Founder & Chair, We Mean Business Collective
• 2011 – Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA
• 2003 – Founder & CEO, The Climate Group