President of the CIWM, Fellow of the CIWM, Fellow of the RSA, Associate Member of the ICE and Chartered Environmentalist with over 15 years of leadership experience in public and private sector roles focused on strategy, planning and delivering efficiencies in the environmental space.

Strong track record in transformation, facilitated by expertise in partnership working, procurement and strategic policy interventions. Worked with and advised private sector companies, venture capitalists, central, regional and local government.

Background includes leadership of teams and management of budgets ranging from £1m to £15m pa, and contribution to more than six major procurements, worth between £1m and £1bn.

David Leigh-Pemberton is Deputy Director of Policy & Engagement at the British Fashion Council, where he acts as a senior adviser to the CEO and board, leading public affairs, government relations, and international strategy across the UK’s fashion industry. His work sits at the intersection of culture, policy, and global trade—advocating for sectoral competitiveness through initiatives that span tax-free shopping, creative skills, sustainability, and post-Brexit diplomacy.

David plays a central role in shaping the BFC’s policy voice and wider public positioning—from London Fashion Week’s evolution as a platform for responsible innovation, to major national campaigns on export growth, visas, and the creative economy’s role in regeneration. He is also a key contributor to the Institute of Positive Fashion, driving forward evidence-based frameworks on circularity, inclusion, and business resilience.

A member of the UK’s Creative Industries Trade and Investment Board, David regularly engages with ministers, international delegations and cultural institutions to align the UK’s fashion sector with a fast-changing global agenda. With a background that bridges public policy, diplomacy, and the performing arts, he brings a creative and strategic sensibility to the future of industry engagement.

Ricky is leading the Wessex Live Lab project which is part of the Department for Transport £30M Live Labs 2 programme. Ricky bridges strategic ambition with on-the-ground delivery, helping local authorities embed Doughnut Economics into highway maintenance and planning. He leads the team to translate complex sustainability goals into practical tools that balance ecological boundaries with social needs.

Ilektra Kouloumpi is a senior expert in post-growth economics with over 15 years of experience driving systemic change worldwide. Now based in Greece, she runs her own consulting studio and serves as the Sectors Lead for the Doughnut Economics Action Lab. Her work spans large-scale projects in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, collaborating with the European Commission, the United Nations, Ministries of Environment and over 100 cities globally.
Ilektra is particularly recognized for her contributions to the Amsterdam City Doughnut project and its circular economy strategy, initiatives that have garnered media attention from outlets like the BBC, Time Magazine, and The Guardian. As an engaging keynote speaker and facilitator, she shares her insights at international conferences and educational institutions. She is currently partnering with Schumacher College to develop a new school aimed at cultivating the next generation of leaders dedicated to creating a better future where both people and the planet can thrive.

Kristin is a Cities Strategist at Circle Economy, supporting cities in accelerating their transition to a circular economy through a people-centred approach. She led the development of the Highways Doughnut Toolkit in collaboration with local authorities, contractors and the Doughnut Economics Actions Lab, helping ensure that road infrastructure meets  both planetary boundaries and human wellbeing.

Henry Onyeka is a Design Consultant at RAK Ceramics with over 15 years of experience in the design industry. His work spans bathrooms, furniture, and lighting, reflecting a passion for creating spaces that balance luxury, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Known for his collaborative approach, Henry partners closely with architects, designers and contractors to deliver projects that meet client expectations. His expertise in practical design solutions continues to shape environments that are both beautiful and purposeful.

Simon is a qualified chartered surveyor and development professional with 18 years client side experience delivering projects for FTSE 100 organisations. He currently works for Legal & General Asset Management in Private Markets delivering direct and funded developments for L&G funds in non residential sectors.

Charlie is Head of Carbon at McGee, leading the Carbon Reduction Strategy towards our goal of a Net Zero future. He is passionate about sustainable and practical designs that drive better performing structures. Charlie regularly engages in industry working groups to bridge the gap between consultant and contractor, leading to innovations such as achieving a UK-first in pioneering steel salvage and reuse at 1 Golden Lane. With 12 years of experience in Construction and Structural Engineering, Charlie derives solutions to provide unrivalled sustainability-conscious outcomes for our clients.