UK Infrastructure Bank appoints Leading Professor to support mission to tackle climate change and boost economic development

The UK Infrastructure Bank welcomed its first Lead Climate Advisor, Professor Andy Gouldson, as part of our ongoing work to partner with regional and national experts to shape the work of the Bank and ensure its long-lasting impact.

Professor Gouldson has a background in economics and policy and is an internationally recognised expert on place-based climate action with experience in establishing effective net zero plans for cities across the UK and around the world. He will use his innovative approach and unique expertise to strengthen the Bank’s capability and relationships as it invests in infrastructure to help tackle climate change and boost growth across the UK.

Professor Gouldson is currently Professor of Environmental Policy at the University of Leeds, where he is co-lead of the ESRC Place-based Climate Action Network that is supporting cities and regions around the UK to develop their capabilities on net zero and climate resilience. He will remain Chair of the Leeds Climate Commission and Co-director of the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission.

Professor Gouldson’s appointment comes as the UK Infrastructure Bank continues to work closely with regional and national partners to develop its strategic plan and target its activities to where they are needed most. He will advise UKIB on emerging technologies and ideas on how to support the transition to net zero and climate resilience around the regions and nations of the UK. This role will play a crucial part in ensuring the Bank’s investments are grounded in the latest thinking and with a link to leading research in the sector.

John Flint, CEO of the UK Infrastructure Bank, said:

"The mission of the UK Infrastructure Bank has never been more urgent, and I am very pleased to be bringing in someone of Andy’s calibre and reputation to help deliver our ambitions.

"His expertise, innovative approach and importantly, passion for our mission, will be vital over the next few months as we develop our strategic plan and build our permanent team."

Andy Gouldson, Lead Climate Advisor to the UK Infrastructure Bank, said:

"I’m delighted to be joining the brilliant team that is being built at the UK Infrastructure Bank. The Bank is ideally situated to make a major contribution to unlocking flows of investment into both climate change and regional and local economic development across the UK.

"I’m really looking forward to helping it to have the biggest possible impact on these critically important issues."

To find further information about the UK Infrastructure Bank, its mission and recent investments or to express an interest in working with us, please visit our website.