Elwyn Grainger-Jones

Elwyn is an experienced leader and change manager with a deep understanding of climate change, development and food systems transformation, and a strong passion for sustainability and the circular economy. 

As Executive Director & CEO, Elwyn leads the Institute’s team to accelerate adoption and maximize the impact of the organization and the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program globally, providing overarching leadership, strategy, and direction. 

Prior to the Institute, Elwyn spent several years at CGIAR as Managing Director, Institutional Strategy and Systems, and Executive Director of the System Organization, leading the CGIAR towards better funding, a fresh research strategy with climate change at its core, and integrating this global partnership into One CGIAR. 

Prior to CGIAR, he spent over 20 years working in a range of government institutions and development banks, where he held various leadership and change management positions, including Director of Policy, Partnerships and Operations at the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in the World Bank; Director of the Environment and Climate Department in the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); and Head of the Climate and Environment Department at the UK Department for International Development (DFID). He has worked with countries across the world, and played a leading role in creating the World Bank’s Climate Investment Funds and the UN’s Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Program (ASAP). 

Elwyn holds a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and a MSc in Economics from the University of Warwick.

Follow @elwyngj on Twitter.

Email: [email protected]