Dr. Matthew Bell, CEO, Anthesis Group.
Co-founder Stuart McLachlan will step down from the chief executive role after more than a decade of leadership and remain on the company’s Board of Directors.
Sustainability consulting firm Anthesis has named Dr. Matthew Bell its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective Dec. 1, 2025. Bell will join the firm from EY, where he served as the Global Leader for Climate Change and Sustainability Services.
The appointment is part of a planned leadership succession, with co-founder Stuart McLachlan stepping down as CEO. McLachlan, who has led Anthesis since its inception in 2013, will transition to a role on the Board of Directors to support the company’s next phase of growth.
Bell brings extensive experience from both the private and public sectors. At EY, he was responsible for a global team of over 4,300 sustainability specialists, advising corporations and governments on strategy, decarbonization, and reporting. His background also includes a period from 2003 to 2007 heading the UK Government’s project office on its climate and energy policies. Additionally, Bell serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the World Green Building Council.
His appointment comes at a time of significant change in the sustainability sector. In a statement, Bell pointed to an "inflection point" for the field, driven by evolving regulations, the development of artificial intelligence, and increased demands for transparency in corporate performance.
Under McLachlan's leadership, Anthesis grew from a startup to a firm with over 1,400 employees, expanding its footprint through the acquisition of 24 businesses.
Derek Kemp, Chair of Anthesis, noted that Bell’s experience in advising organizations on climate strategy is a strong fit for the firm as it moves forward. Alex Wagenberg, a Managing Director at Carlyle, which is a shareholder in Anthesis, also expressed support for the leadership transition and the company's growth strategy.
SOURCE: Anthesis Group
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.