Tom is a Founding Partner of Global Optimism and works across the portfolio of engagements and initiatives. He has spent 20 years working at the intersections of international diplomacy, energy policy and climate change in business, non profit, financial services and international institutions.

Prior to co-founding Global Optimism, Tom was Senior Advisor to the Executive Secretary at the UN Climate Convention where he focussed on the political strategy towards achieving the landmark Paris Agreement in December 2015.  Before this he was President and CEO of CDP North America, an entity that utilizes the financial markets to drive greater disclosure of climate change related risks and opportunities in the operations of listed companies. Currently more than 7,000 companies report climate information to CDP, which is then reflected back to investors for use in valuation and asset allocation decisions. Tom also held other roles at CDP, including founding the Cities Program and serving as Director for the first global process to support disclosure by cities.

Earlier in his career Tom held roles at Dyson and also spent two years as a Buddhist monk. Tom has held or continues to hold Advisory positions at the Clinton Global Initiative, NY Stock Exchange, Leaders’ Quest and the Global Impact Investment Network.

On February 2020, Tom co-authored The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis along Christiana Figueres. The book has been praised by international figures such as best-selling author Yuval Harari, who said “This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read”, or by business mogul Sir Richard Branson, who said “There could not be a more important book”.

Tom holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Economics from the University of Bath and an MSc in Systems Science from Plymouth University. He is married with two children and lives in London.