The Business School has appointed Michael Wilkins as the new Executive Director of its Centre for Climate Finance & Investment.

Mr Wilkins joins Imperial from S&P Global Ratings, a global credit rating agency and division of S&P Global.  As a Managing Director, he has global responsibility for the firm’s sustainable finance research activities.

Mr Wilkins will take over from Dr Charles Donovan who has been the Executive Director of the Centre for Climate Finance & Investment (CCFI) at Imperial College Business School since it was established in 2017.

Working with Patrick Bolton, CCFI Research Director and Professor of Finance & Economics, he will continue the Centre’s mission to help financial institutions tackle the challenges posed by climate change through interdisciplinary research.  Drawing on academic and practitioner collaborations, the Centre is generating a better understanding of scalable investment opportunities in renewable energy, clean technologies and climate-resilient infrastructure.

"Michael’s extensive industry experience and unique insights will play a vital part of our agenda in addressing the climate and sustainability challenges facing society.” Professor Francisco Veloso Dean of Imperial College Business School

The CCFI has addressed pressing global issues in recent years, including the financial risks of climate change to the agricultural sector, the transition towards renewable energy in India and the race for green capital in emerging markets. Last year, the Centre opened a new research centre dedicated to nurturing green finance and talent development in Asia, backed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Mr Wilkins’ experience at S&P Global Ratings includes three years as global head of Sustainable Finance and seven years as head of Infrastructure Finance Ratings, the analytical group within S&P Global Ratings which covers utilities, project finance, PPPs and transportation in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  In his new role, Mr Wilkins will contribute to the Business School’s teaching of climate finance, drawing on his experience of lecturing to MBA students.

Commenting on his appointment to Imperial, Mr Wilkins said: “I’m delighted to be joining Imperial College Business School as head of its world-renowned Centre for Climate Finance & Investment. I hope my near three decades of experience in the global capital markets and deep expertise in sustainable finance will further enhance the quality of the research and education provided by Imperial College Business School.”

Professor Francisco Veloso, Dean of Imperial College Business School said: “I’m pleased to welcome Michael to the Business School. He joins us at a crucial time as businesses and governments around the world are seeking solutions to the growing climate crisis. Michael’s extensive industry experience and unique insights will play a vital part of our agenda in addressing the climate and sustainability challenges facing society.”

“I’d also like to thank Charlie Donovan for his outstanding leadership in establishing and growing the Centre for Climate Finance and Investment.  He has made a lasting contribution to our approach to climate and green finance topics at Imperial.”