Leadership transformation drives technological governance reform as CFG welcomes Thomas Lingard to the chief executive position. The appointment, effective March 2025, strengthens the organisation’s capability to address pressing challenges at the crossroads of innovation and human welfare.
Steven Schuurman, Co-founder and Chairman of CFG’s board of directors, highlighted Lingard’s exceptional qualities that secured his position.
“With his sharp intellect, kind and enthusiastic personality, and exceptional leadership skills, Thomas has convinced us that he is the right person to build on CFGs early successes and lead the organisation to even greater impact”
Steven Schuurman – Co-founder and Chairman of CFG’s board of directors
The strategic value of experience
Lingard brings 25 years of leadership experience to his new role, most recently serving as Global Head of Sustainability at Unilever. His career demonstrates profound expertise in sustainability strategy development, international policy influence, and coalition building to address systemic challenges.
The breadth of his experience extends beyond corporate leadership. His advisory positions with Climate Catalyst, the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and the World Economic Forum have shaped his comprehensive understanding of global sustainability challenges. Previous leadership at the UK environmental policy think tank Green Alliance further enhances his credentials in driving meaningful change.
Balancing innovation and protection
Technology’s exponential growth presents both opportunities and challenges for society. Lingard articulated this duality in his acceptance statement: “The exponential rise of advanced technologies is both exciting and terrifying in equal measure. Protecting the best interests of humanity will require us to recognise that technological innovation must be matched with innovation in governance.”
His academic background, spanning Philosophy, Development Management, and AI Ethics, reflects a deep appreciation for the multifaceted nature of contemporary challenges. This intellectual foundation proves particularly relevant as CFG navigates the complex landscape of technological advancement and societal protection.
European leadership in technological governance
The European Union’s pioneering approach to technological regulation serves as a model for balanced development. While acknowledging the EU’s leadership role in protecting citizens’ rights while fostering innovation, Lingard emphasises that significant work lies ahead.
“The next decade will prove decisive in determining whose interests are served by the deployment of these advanced technologies, in Europe and beyond,” he stated. This perspective aligns with CFG’s mission to ensure technological progress serves humanity’s best interests.
Strategic timing for maximum impact
The appointment coincides with a critical period for emerging technologies. As artificial intelligence and other advanced systems rapidly evolve, the need for effective governance frameworks becomes increasingly urgent. CFG’s role in shaping these frameworks while maximising positive societal impact positions the organisation at the forefront of technological governance.
Lingard’s combination of corporate leadership, sustainability expertise, and ethical understanding equips him to guide CFG through this transformative period. His appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to balanced technological advancement that serves humanity’s long-term interests while fostering innovation and growth.
