Jesper Brodin is a visionary global leader and sustainability advocate who currently serves as the Chair of the Board for The Earthshot Prize. Appointed by Prince William in March 2026, Brodin joined the organization at a critical midway point in its ten-year mission to repair the planet. Known for his “unrelenting optimism” and firm belief that what is good for the Earth is also good for business, he brings a wealth of experience in scaling bold, innovative solutions to one of the world’s most prestigious environmental stages.
Historically, Brodin is defined by a remarkable three-decade career at IKEA, where he rose from a purchase manager in Pakistan to become the CEO of Ingka Group (the largest IKEA franchisee). During his eight-year tenure as CEO, he oversaw a historic transformation, shifting the company toward an omnichannel retail model while significantly reducing its climate footprint by over 30%, even as the business grew. His journey is rooted in the “togetherness” philosophy of IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad, whom Brodin served as an assistant early in his career, learning that wasting resources is a “sin” and that flat-pack innovation was a vital step toward modern sustainability.
Culturally, Brodin is a prominent voice in the global movement for “Ethical AI” and sustainable industry, holding influential roles such as the Chair of the B Team and Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders. He advocates for a leadership style “rooted in reality,” often placing his office desk on the shop floor to stay connected with the people driving change. His cultural impact is felt through his insistence that “human ingenuity” is our greatest resource, a belief he carries into his work with the UN Global Compact and now The Earthshot Prize, where he champions the next generation of eco-innovators.
For those following his mission, 2026 marks a year of “urgent action” as Brodin leads The Earthshot Prize toward its upcoming Summit and Awards in Mumbai, India. He remains an inspiring figure for leaders across all sectors, proving that affordability and sustainability can coexist through smart engineering and a dedicated heart. Outside of his professional life, he finds balance as a father of three and enjoys playing the guitar and sailing. His leadership serves as a motivating reminder that we are the first generation with the tools to create a sustainable future, provided we have the courage to take the first step
The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental platform and the most prestigious award of its kind in history, dedicated to discovering and scaling the most innovative solutions to repair our planet by 2030. Founded by Prince William in 2020, the Prize is centered on the powerful principle that Urgency + Optimism = Action. Taking inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 “Moonshot,” which united the world to put a man on the moon, this initiative seeks to spark the same spirit of collective ambition to tackle the defining environmental challenges of our time.
The historical foundation of the Prize is built upon five ambitious and universal goals, known as the “Earthshots”: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate. Each year throughout this decisive decade, five winners are selected—one for each Earthshot—and awarded a £1 million grant to accelerate their impact. Since its launch, the Prize has considered over 5,000 nominations, identifying 75 Finalists whose work has already protected over 1 million square kilometers of land and ocean and avoided or captured millions of tonnes of .
Culturally, The Earthshot Prize acts as a global convener, bridging the gap between grassroots innovators, Indigenous communities, and world-class business leaders. The Prize is a testament to human ingenuity, moving the narrative from environmental anxiety to “urgent optimism” by spotlighting the incredible solutions that already exist. In a landmark cultural move, the Prize has announced that its 2026 Summit and Awards will be hosted in Mumbai, India, this November. This choice celebrates India’s growing leadership in climate innovation and its status as a global force for nature, proving that economic progress and sustainability can successfully go hand in hand.
For those looking to engage with this movement, the 2026 Mumbai ceremony promises to be a multi-day celebration of climate action, bringing together investors, philanthropists, and the world’s most promising eco-innovators. Under the new leadership of Jesper Brodin, who was appointed Chair of the Board in March 2026, the Prize continues to expand its reach through initiatives like the “Launchpad” matchmaking platform. Whether through digital storytelling that has reached over 275 million views or through its vast Global Alliance of corporate partners, The Earthshot Prize invites everyone to join the journey of restoring the planet we all call home.
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