South Pole, a prominent climate consultancy, has appointed Dame Inga Beale as the new chair of its board of directors. Beale, known for her extensive experience and leadership in the insurance and sustainability sectors, officially begins her role in June.
Beale brings to South Pole a wealth of governance expertise and strategic acumen, honed over a career that spans more than 40 years. She has held notable positions at General Electric, Zurich Insurance, and most significantly, Lloyd’s, where she made history as the first female CEO. Her focus at South Pole will be on guiding the company through the evolving landscape of carbon markets and corporate sustainability, working closely with CEO Daniel Klier and the executive team.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Beale said, “I’m thrilled to be joining South Pole on this next stage of its journey as a global leader in climate action. Together with our dedicated executive team and board members, I am committed to helping South Pole deliver on its new strategic direction, fostering a renewed culture of resilience and growth, and delivering positive and sustainable value for the business, our stakeholders, and the planet.”
CEO Daniel Klier welcomed Beale’s appointment, highlighting her “proven leadership and vision.” He stated, “I’m delighted to welcome Dame Inga during this important period of transformation for our business. Her proven leadership and vision will be instrumental as we chart a course towards sustained growth and, in the long term, innovate for impact. I am looking forward to working together as we strengthen South Pole’s resilience and create positive outcomes for all our stakeholders.”
Beale succeeds Christoph Grobbel, who has been South Pole’s board chair for nine years and will continue to serve as a director. Reflecting on his tenure and the transition, Grobbel remarked, “After nearly a decade as chair and helping to scale the business, I am now delighted to be handing over to Dame Inga. She is an exceptional leader, and the company will benefit greatly from her experience and expertise as it moves to its next phase of growth in a maturing sustainability industry.”
With Beale at the helm, South Pole is poised to enhance its impact on global sustainability efforts, leveraging her extensive experience to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future.