The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has announced Jonquil Hackenberg as their new CEO, taking over from Andrew Morlet after ten years in the role.
Hackenberg will start her new role on 4 November 2024, joining from her position as CEO of Eunomia Research & Consulting, a social-environmental consultancy and research house.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works with business and policy leaders around the world to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Previously Hackenberg was Global Head of Sustainability and Climate Response at PA Consulting, where she led the COP26 campaign on the nexus between water and carbon emissions, as well as committing the firm to the Science-Based Targets Initiative.
Before that she held various roles at Infosys over a 13-year period, latterly Global Head of Sustainable Business.
Commenting on her appointment, Jonquil Hackenberg said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be stepping into the role of CEO at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an organisation I’ve long admired for its ground-breaking work in the circular economy.
“I have spent the best part of my career working to ensure circularity, climate response, and sustainability are at the forefront of business strategy. I couldn’t be more excited to lead the Foundation at such a critical moment.
“The shift to a regenerative, circular economy is no longer just a vision – it’s happening. Andrew has built an exceptional organisation and I look forward to working alongside inspiring individuals, partners, and changemakers to accelerate this transition, and together build a future in which business, society, and nature thrive.”
Hackenberg’s first high-profile engagement will be at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2025, where she will be joined by Ellen MacArthur and her team.
Executive search firm Spencer Stuart led the eight-month selection process, working closely with the Foundation’s trustees and their chair Ellen MacArthur.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation was established in 2010 with a small team based on the Isle of Wight, UK.
Andrew Morlet joined the Foundation in January 2013 to lead the development of its business Network and became the Foundation’s second Chief Executive Officer in 2014.
I am delighted to welcome Jonquil as the new CEO and very much look forward to the future success of the Foundation.
Under his leadership, the Foundation has raised over £150m in project funding and the organisation today employs over 200 staff across offices in Brazil, Belgium, China, the UK, and the United States.
Andrew Morlet commented: “It has been an honour to lead the Foundation as CEO over the last 10 years and to help propel the vision of a circular economy onto the world stage.
“I am immensely proud of the Foundation team, past and present, for embracing and tirelessly working towards an ambitious goal of driving global-scale impact through a bold and innovative approach.
“I am delighted to welcome Jonquil as the new CEO and very much look forward to the future success of the Foundation as it continues to build momentum and scale adoption of the circular economy system solutions that are vital to future prosperity.”
