ClientEarth CEO James Thornton to transition into role of President & Founder

ClientEarth’s Board has announced that James Thornton, the organisation’s founding-CEO, will transition into the role of President & Founder. James will continue to be an integral part of ClientEarth, providing strategic vision and unrivalled legal expertise that support the organisation’s ambitious plans to increase its impact in the fight to combat the climate crisis and protect nature.

After founding ClientEarth 13 years ago, James has built it into one of the world’s most effective environmental organisations, with a staff of 170 that works in dozens of countries across the globe. As we enter the critical decade for the future health of our planet, ClientEarth is set to enter another major phase of growth that will see it deliver even greater impact.

As the organisation tackles new problems and enters new territories James will focus, in the role of President & Founder, on the complex strategies and vital relationships needed to deliver success. This additional strategic resource will not only allow James to deliver more for the organisation but also for the wider environmental sector.

James will also continue to develop major funding relationships and work on building the organisation’s global profile. ClientEarth’s Board will now start the search for a new CEO and James will continue to lead the organisation until they are in post.