Dr. Leena Srivastava, a luminary of profound distinction, exemplifies an exceptional amalgamation of academic brilliance and visionary leadership in energy economics and sustainable development. As an independent non-executive director on the esteemed Shell board, Dr. Srivastava’s strategic acumen has proved to be an invaluable asset to the organization, shaping the energy sector’s future.
Her academic journey is illustrious, adorned with a PhD in Energy Economics from the venerable Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. Moreover, her intellectual repertoire is further enriched by a master’s degree in economics from the University of Hyderabad.
Dr. Srivastava’s professional trajectory has been an odyssey of remarkable contributions and exemplary leadership. She served as the Deputy Director General for Science at The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Vienna, Austria, where her role provided interdisciplinary scientific leadership, fostering cutting-edge research in applied systems analysis and sustainable development on a global scale.
Her distinguished career commenced at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), where she invested over three decades, culminating in her appointment as the Executive Director. Her dedication and insightful stewardship at TERI solidified her status as a visionary in energy management and sustainable development.
A testament to her commitment to higher education and sustainable development, Dr. Srivastava served as the Vice Chancellor of the TERI School of Advanced Studies in New Delhi, an interdisciplinary institution dedicated to the advancement of sustainable development. In this capacity, she nurtured future leaders and scholars, imparting an unparalleled commitment to sustainability, reflecting her dedication to shaping the next generation of sustainability champions.
Beyond her extensive academic and professional roles, Dr. Srivastava’s influence extends to global platforms and advisory positions. Serving as the co-chair of the science advisory group for the UN Secretary-General’s 2019 Climate Action Summit, she played a pivotal role in shaping the global climate agenda. Moreover, her roles as the co-chair of Future Earth and a member of various influential advisory boards, including the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations, and numerous international organizations, underscore her global leadership in the sphere of sustainable development.
Notably, Dr. Srivastava’s positions as an independent and non-executive director on the boards of Bharti Infratel and Shree Cement and her contributions to the Sustainable Development Advisory Board of Caterpillar Inc., as well as the Sustainability Advisory Board of Cairn Energy, Vedanta Resources, and Consocia Advisory India, highlight her pivotal role in guiding prominent organizations toward sustainable practices.
Furthermore, her association with the International Expert Panel on Climate Change at Edelman, her role on the Shell board, and her position as a Senior Energy Expert Advisor to BCG India further exemplify her unwavering commitment to advancing global energy sustainability. Her membership in the SDG 7 Technical Advisory Group and the Advisory Board of the ‘Science for Sustainable Societies’ book series demonstrates her ongoing dedication to the sustainable development agenda, underscoring her multifaceted leadership.
In her capacity as a coordinating lead author of the 3rd IPCC Report and a cross-cutting theme anchor on ‘Sustainable Development’ for the 4th IPCC Report, Dr. Srivastava has significantly contributed to the world’s understanding of climate change and sustainable development.
Dr. Leena Srivastava’s profound and multifaceted contributions to energy economics and sustainable development – coupled with her global leadership – position her as a pioneering figure of unparalleled distinction and influence in the global arena. Her resolute commitment to shaping a sustainable future stands as an enduring testament to her unwavering dedication and extraordinary intellect.
