ClientEarth strengthens Public Affairs and Policy with key leadership appointment

Pierre Cannet has joined ClientEarth in the newly created role of Global Head of Public Affairs and Policy, having previously been Exec Director for Advocacy at WWF France. He will lead the Global Public Affairs and Policy team as it delivers cross-cutting strategic policy and advocacy, supports the organisation’s legal teams with political strategy, and delivers flagship policy initiatives. This is a significant appointment for the organisation as it looks to strengthen the impact of its legal work. 

Pierre brings extensive knowledge of the climate, environmental sectors and international climate diplomacy. He spent nearly a decade with WWF France in a number of roles, including Head of Climate, Energy and Sustainable Cities, Chief Conservation Officer and Executive Director for Advocacy and Campaigns. Prior to that he was at the United Nations in New York working for the Rio+20 Summit and the UN Global Compact.

COP28 will be an immediate priority for Pierre and his team as ClientEarth pushes for new national climate laws that align with the Paris Agreement, enforcement of international law to support climate-affected communities and legal action to phase-out fossil fuels from our societies and economies. Pierre will be part of ClientEarth’s delegation to COP28 in Dubai alongside CEO, Laura Clarke, Head of Germany, Hermann Ott, and Public International Lawyer, Lea Main-Klingst.

Commenting on the appointment, CEO Laura Clarke said: 

“We’re thrilled that Pierre has joined ClientEarth in what is a critical role for the organisation. As we continue to build our impact, we know how important it is to support our litigation and legal advocacy with effective political and policy engagement. We’re working the to deliver right rules – the right governance, the right policies, the right frameworks – and Pierre and his team will be vital in making this ambition a reality” 

Commenting on the appointment, Pierre Cannet said:

“After 15 years engaged in organisations which advocate for positive change across nature and climate, I feel honored and lucky to join ClientEarth and be able to now harness the power of the law. Against the international context of broken policy promises and a total climate emergency, I believe that the law is one of the best levers we have to deliver impact. I am thrilled to work alongside talented colleagues at ClientEarth and its partners to make this happen, influencing policy-makers across our geographies of work, and beyond.”