David Kennedy (economist)

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David Kennedy (economist) is a British economist and civil servant who has led major climate, development, and trade roles in the UK government. Born on September 29, 1969, he has spent much of his career shaping climate policy and economic development.

Life and education
- Kennedy studied at the University of Sheffield (BA in Economics and Econometrics), the University of Manchester (MA in Economics), and the London School of Economics (PhD in Economics, 1995). His doctoral work was on the economics of London bus tendering.

Career highlights
- Early career: Research fellow at the London School of Economics (1993–1996); consultant at the Centre for Regulated Industries (1996–1997); Senior Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; then the World Bank (2003–2006), focusing on infrastructure, energy, macroeconomics, and Balkan investments.
- Committee on Climate Change: Founding Chief Executive (2007–2014), where he helped design the UK’s carbon framework. He was praised for his rigorous approach and leadership.
- Civil Service roles:
- Director General for Economic Development at the Department for International Development (DFID) (2014–2017).
- Director General for Food, Biosecurity and Trade at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) (2017–2023). He worked on food security during Brexit and Covid, border arrangements for food and animals, and post-Brexit farm reforms.
- Private sector and subsequent roles: Partner at Ernst & Young (EY) after leaving the Civil Service.
- Current role: In spring 2025, became CEO of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Honours
- Awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015 for services to climate change.
- Awarded Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 2021 for public service during Covid.

Private life
- In 2001, Kennedy married Philippa Stonebridge. They have three children and a cat named Blu. His hobbies include spending time with family, playing classical clarinet, jazz saxophone, reading, and supporting Manchester City.

Selected publications
- Building a Low-carbon Economy (2008), with Adair Turner
- Meeting Carbon Budgets: the need for a step change (2009)
- He has written many articles on energy, infrastructure, and climate change.