Celine Herweijer: A Global Leader in Sustainability, Climate Science, and Innovation
Celine Herweijer is a name that has become synonymous with sustainability, climate science, and global innovation. With a background that spans research, consultancy, and executive leadership, she has shaped policies and strategies that influence businesses, governments, and international institutions. From her academic journey at Columbia University to her tenure as Group Chief Sustainability Officer at HSBC, and her influential role as Co-Chair of the We Mean Business Coalition, Dr Herweijer stands as a true pioneer in driving climate action and sustainable finance.
This article provides a detailed look at her life, career, achievements, and the enduring impact of her work.
Early Life, Education and Age
Born in January 1978, Celine Herweijer (47 years old as of 2025) grew up with a deep curiosity about the natural world. Her academic path reflected this passion. She pursued a B.Sc. in Environmental Geoscience with First Class Honours at the University of Edinburgh, before moving on to Columbia University in New York, one of the leading centres for earth sciences and climate research.
At Columbia, she completed both a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Earth and Environmental Sciences and an M.Phil in Computer Modelling, before earning her Ph.D. in Climate Modelling and Policy. Her doctoral work focused on earth systems modelling, climate science, and the policy implications of environmental change. She also held a NASA Fellowship, which added prestige and depth to her academic profile.
Academic and Early Professional Career
Lecturer at Columbia University
During her time at Columbia, she lectured at the Earth Institute, teaching undergraduate students about sustainable development and climate policy. This period allowed her to merge scientific research with practical application and to begin influencing young minds with her knowledge and passion.
Work with the United Nations
She also worked as a consultant at the UN Division of Sustainable Development in New York, advising on sustainability frameworks during the early 2000s. This exposure placed her at the heart of global policy discussions, where she learnt how science, policy, and economics must align to address climate challenges.
Early Industry Roles
After leaving academia, Celine Herweijer moved into roles that combined science with business. She served as Director at the Lighthill Risk Network, followed by a senior role at Risk Management Solutions (RMS) between 2007 and 2009. At RMS she specialised in climate and catastrophe risk consulting, working with insurers, capital markets, governments, and development agencies. This gave her valuable experience in financial risk modelling and the economics of disaster resilience.
PwC: Global Sustainability and Innovation Leader
In 2009, Celine Herweijer joined PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in London. Over the next 12 years, she rose to become a Partner and Global Sustainability & Innovation Leader, cementing her reputation as a global authority on climate strategy and innovation.
At PwC, she:
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Advised governments, investors, and corporations in over 30 countries on sustainability, net zero strategies, and resilience.
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Led global initiatives in sustainability, climate policy, and technology innovation.
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Spearheaded Tech for Good, including accelerators for technology ventures with social and environmental impact.
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Co-led the 4IR for the Earth project, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Stanford University, to harness the fourth industrial revolution for sustainability.
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Helped design large-scale international funds, including acting as Chief Strategy Adviser for the $150 million Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) funded by the UK and Dutch governments.
Her work at PwC earned her the UK Management Consultancies Association’s Strategy Consultant of the Year award in 2011, recognition of her outstanding ability to combine vision with delivery.
HSBC: Group Chief Sustainability Officer
In 2021, she joined HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial institutions, as its Group Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). She was also appointed to the Group Executive Committee, giving her a seat at the top decision-making table of the bank.
Responsibilities and Achievements
As CSO, she:
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Led HSBC’s Group-wide sustainability strategy and execution, embedding climate risk, innovation, and sustainable finance across the bank’s operations.
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Co-chaired the HSBC Group ESG Committee and served on other key governance bodies including the Group Risk Management Committee and the Group People Committee.
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Launched HSBC’s first Net Zero Transition Plan in 2024, outlining how the bank would align its activities with global climate targets.
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Oversaw decarbonisation targets for high-impact sectors and integrated sustainability into core risk and lending policies.
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Drove transformation programmes across business lines and global regions, ensuring sustainability was not peripheral but central to the organisation’s future.
Her leadership came at a pivotal time when banks were under intense scrutiny for their role in financing fossil fuels and enabling the global transition. By embedding sustainability into HSBC’s strategy, she left a lasting legacy that reshaped how one of the world’s largest banks approached climate and ESG responsibilities.
International Recognition and Advisory Roles
Beyond PwC and HSBC, Celine Herweijer has been deeply engaged in international climate and sustainability forums.
World Economic Forum
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Named a Young Global Leader (YGL) in 2013.
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Member of WEF’s Global Future Councils from 2014 to 2020.
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Contributor and thought leader on the WEF Agenda platform.
Global Advisory and Policy Influence
She has advised or held committee roles with the United Nations, G20, OECD, World Bank, European Union, and several national governments. Her expertise bridges the worlds of science, business, and finance, making her a sought-after voice in shaping sustainable policy frameworks.
Non-Profit and Coalition Leadership
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Co-Chair of the We Mean Business Coalition since 2018, a powerful network of companies and organisations driving business action on climate change.
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Trustee of the Blue Marine Foundation since 2020, supporting ocean conservation and biodiversity.
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Member of the Goals House Advisory Board, contributing to advocacy around the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Awards and Honours
Celine Herweijer’s impact has been recognised with numerous honours:
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World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (2013).
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Strategy Consultant of the Year (2011) from the UK Management Consultancies Association.
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NASA Fellowship during her Ph.D. studies.
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Widely published and recognised as one of the leading voices in sustainability and climate finance.
Personal Life Of Celine Herweijer
While her professional life is well documented, Celine Herweijer is known to keep her personal life private. A glimpse into her earlier years shows her in London in 2009, when she was noted in the press as a first-time buyer with her fiancé. Since then, she has continued to base her career in London while maintaining a global presence through her advisory and executive roles.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
Today, Celine Herweijer is recognised as one of the leading figures bridging the gap between climate science, finance, and global sustainability. Her ability to operate at the highest levels of academia, consulting, and corporate leadership makes her unique in the field.
As the world races to meet net zero targets and navigate the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, her leadership continues to inspire. Whether through her work with the We Mean Business Coalition, her trusteeship of marine conservation initiatives, or her influence on international policy, she remains a powerful advocate for urgent and practical action.
Conclusion
Celine Herweijer’s career reflects a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, strategic business leadership, and global policy influence. From her early academic work as a climate modeller to her transformation of corporate sustainability at PwC and HSBC, she has consistently been at the forefront of change.
Her leadership demonstrates how one individual can bridge science, business, and society to create impact at scale. In the years ahead, as climate and sustainability challenges intensify, voices like hers will be vital in ensuring that ambition is matched by meaningful action.
