Jason Knauf has cultivated an extraordinary career marked by leadership, strategic communication, and a dedication to making a global impact. Born in New Zealand, Jason began his journey in public service, taking on pivotal roles in government and corporate sectors. His early career included advising senior officials in Wellington and navigating complex financial landscapes during his tenure at HM Treasury in the UK. These roles shaped his ability to lead with purpose and clarity during challenging times.
In 2015, Jason joined Kensington Palace as Communications Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Over the years, his exceptional service earned him the trust and respect of the royal household. As CEO of The Royal Foundation, he played a vital role in launching impactful initiatives such as the Heads Together mental health campaign and coordinating substantial COVID-19 relief efforts. His visionary leadership also helped bring The Earthshot Prize to life, a groundbreaking environmental initiative aimed at inspiring global action to protect and restore the planet.
In 2025, Jason Knauf assumed the role of CEO of The Earthshot Prize, marking a new chapter in his journey. His leadership comes at a critical moment, as the organization seeks to accelerate innovative solutions to address pressing environmental challenges. Jason’s commitment to fostering optimism and urgency has been central to the mission of awarding substantial prizes to transformative projects, driving tangible progress for a sustainable future.
Throughout his career, Jason has been recognized for his integrity, resilience, and ability to inspire those around him. His work has consistently emphasized the power of collaboration, innovation, and hope. As he continues to guide The Earthshot Prize, Jason’s story serves as a reminder that visionary leadership can pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable world.
The Earthshot Prize is a global initiative with a bold and inspiring vision: to repair and protect the planet for future generations. Launched in 2020, it represents a call to action for innovation, hope, and urgent solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. With an ambitious goal of awarding £1 million annually to five groundbreaking projects across five key areas—climate change, nature restoration, ocean revival, waste elimination, and air purification—the Prize empowers individuals, communities, and organizations to create lasting impact.
Guided by the belief that solutions already exist and the future can be brighter, the Earthshot Prize champions optimism and collaboration. It unites leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the world, fostering a shared commitment to achieving real, measurable progress by 2030. Through this extraordinary platform, the Earthshot Prize inspires everyone to act with urgency, creativity, and determination to protect our shared home.
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