Gerd Leipold

Dr. Gerd Leipold holds a PhD in oceanography and was Executive Director of Greenpeace International (2001-2009). Under his leadership, Greenpeace opened an office in Africa and expanded activities in Asia and Latin America. In the 1980s, he was Executive Director of Greenpeace Germany, creating the largest German environmental institution. In August, 1983, he piloted a hot-air balloon from West Berlin into the former GDR, in protest against the nuclear weapons test being carried out. He directed an international disarmament campaign (1987-1992) and managed his own consultancy company, Gem Partners Ltd., specializing on strategy and communication (1992-2001). He currently advises companies on sustainability, is building a global network of leading Earth Science institutes and scientists, and started an initiative exploring how to combine grid modernization and pension provisions. He serves on the board of the Humboldt Viadrina School of Governance, the Global (formerly European) Climate Forum and the advisory board of the Welthungerhilfe.