Environmental law charity ClientEarth has appointed former diplomat Laura Clarke as its chief executive.

Clarke is a former British high commissioner to New Zealand and has spent 20 years in government and diplomatic roles cross the world, with a focus on climate, environmental and sustainability issues.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead such a pioneering and effective organisation at this critical time for our environment,” said Clarke, who takes up the role this week.

“It’s a privilege to be working with such a talented and committed team, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together as we work to protect both people and planet.”

She takes over from charity founder James Thornton who has moved to a non-executive role as president.

ClientEarth, which has offices in Europe, Asia and USA, is an environmental law charity that looks to hold industry and government to account on issues including pollution, climate change and nature protection.

The charity’s chair Howard Covington added: “We are hugely excited by Laura’s appointment. She will bring the leadership, energy and global policy expertise that ClientEarth needs to deliver the greatest possible impact over this critical decade for the future of our planet.

“She is just the person to build on James’s fantastic achievement in creating ClientEarth and turning it into one of the world’s most impactful environmental organisations.”

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