WASHINGTON and THE HAGUE (May 16, 2019) — World Resources Institute (WRI) welcomes David B. McGinty as Global Director of the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE), an initiative to drive public-private action and collaboration on the circular economy.

As PACE Global Director, he will spearhead the platform’s efforts to bring about the circular economy at speed and scale - starting with projects on plastics, food and electronics. Active projects are already underway in Africa, Asia and Europe.

“We are experiencing a dramatic global increase in the use of raw materials and waste production, which are negatively impacting pollution levels, biodiversity, natural resources and climate change,” McGinty said. “I am excited to lead PACE and our partners, as we design and scale innovative technologies, business models, policy frameworks and financing mechanisms to realize a global circular economy that addresses these critical issues.”

Since its launch in 2018, the World Economic Forum has built and hosted PACE, successfully coordinating a global leadership group of over 50 CEOs, ministers and heads of international organizations and catalyzing collaborations to advance the circular economy. Frans van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips, and Naoko Ishii, CEO of the Global Environment Facility, serve as co-chairs.

“To take us in the direction of a circular economy, we must radically rethink our relationship with natural resources and key economic systems,” said Ishii. “I’m extremely pleased to welcome David to PACE, to lead our work in bringing together all actors along the supply chain, and across entire industries.”

“I am proud of what we have achieved with PACE in only a short time since its launch by the World Economic Forum in 2018,” said van Houten. “With the support of the World Resources Institute and David as the new global director, I am convinced that PACE is ready to enter a new, data-driven growth phase. Philips and the other partners remain strongly committed to drive the transition to a circular economy, because this will result in economic growth.”

PACE is now entering a new phase as World Resources Institute helps to scale-up the initiative. PACE is establishing an Action Hub in The Hague, hosted by WRI Europe, with assistance from the Netherlands’ Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and several other public and private sector partners. This new stage in PACE’s evolution will leverage WRI’s analytical skills and program development expertise whilst maintaining close collaboration with the Forum.

“Collaborations and partnership is critical to achieving the circular economy. We are incredibly proud and excited to have WRI as a partner to scale-up and host PACE as it enters its next phase with David’s leadership,” said Antonia Gawel, Head, Circular Economy, World Economic Forum.

“We are delighted that David is joining our efforts to reimagine ‘business as usual’ and scale up circular models,” said Kevin Moss, Global Director, WRI’s Business Center. “He comes to PACE with impressive experience at the cutting edge of sustainable development and innovation, and we are lucky to have him on board.”

McGinty joins PACE from Palladium Group, a global international development advisory and project management firm, where he was the Director of Social Innovation and Technology. As part of his work at Palladium Group, McGinty led the £40 million Human Development Innovation Fund and £25 million Spring Accelerator work. This involved identifying and growing over 150 social innovations across 10 countries through ecosystem building, traditional and innovative financing, advisory services, and influencing evidence-based policy and practice. Previously, McGinty led public-private partnerships for an international NGO, was head of a private sector development and impact investing advisory firm, taught management and law at the graduate level, and advised multinational corporations on consolidation practices.

For more information, visit https://www.acceleratecirculareconomy.org/.


About World Resources Institute

WRI is a global research organization that spans more than 60 countries, with offices in Brazil, China, Europe, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the United States and more. Our more than 800 experts and staff work closely with leaders to turn big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. More information at www.wri.org.