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Kimberly Henderson
Partner, McKinsey & Company
Professional Background
Kimberly Henderson is an accomplished Partner in McKinsey's Sustainability Practice, recognized for her unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and fostering the transition towards sustainable energy solutions. Bringing nearly 15 years of extensive consulting experience to the table, Kimberly has successfully guided a diverse array of clients across multiple sectors, including energy, aviation, technology, consumer goods, investors, and public sector organizations. She leverages her unique expertise in climate change, which is cultivated from various perspectives, including climate science, policy development, and the advancement of low-carbon technologies.
Over the years, Kimberly has built a remarkable career at McKinsey & Company, progressing through several key positions within the organization. Her journey began as a Consultant and quickly advanced to her current role as Partner in the Sustainability Practice. In addition to her primary contributions at McKinsey, she also served as an Associate Partner and Engagement Manager, showcasing her ability to lead high-impact projects and drive strategic initiatives that shape the sustainability landscape.
Education and Achievements
Kimberly's educational background is a testament to her commitment to understanding complex environmental issues. She holds both an MSc in Environment and Development and a BSc in Government and Economics from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), one of the world's leading social science universities. Earlier in her academic career, Kimberly also completed her first year of studies in International Economics at Georgetown University, an institution renowned for its focus on international relations and economics. This solid academic foundation has equipped her with the analytical skills necessary to navigate the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and to formulate comprehensive strategies for sustainable development.
Throughout her career, Kimberly has achieved significant milestones that reinforce her standing as a leader in the sustainability sector. Her roles as Innovation Research Lead during her secondment at the New Climate Economy Project and her previous experiences as an Associate at McKinsey & Company and a Consultant at Credo have further solidified her skills in driving innovative solutions and executing impactful research in climate and energy initiatives. Kimberly’s unique blend of consulting experience and deep knowledge of environmental issues positions her as a respected authority in her field.
Notable Achievements
Some of Kimberly's notable achievements include:
- Instrumental in leading transformative initiatives that integrate sustainable practices across various industries, enhancing operational efficiencies and environmental outcomes.
- Recognized for her ability to communicate complex climate science and policy issues to diverse stakeholders, ensuring that sustainability goals are embedded within organizational strategies.
- Played a key role in guiding corporate clients through their energy transition journey, optimizing their resource usage and achieving targets for carbon neutrality.
- Actively involved in thought leadership within the sustainability field, contributing to publications and discussions that advance understanding and advocacy of climate action.
- Developed training programs aimed at building capacity within organizations, fostering a culture of sustainability that permeates both operations and corporate ethos.
In her current role at McKinsey, Kimberly continues to serve as a pivotal figure within the global sustainability movement, utilizing her expertise to drive substantial change. Her career demonstrates a genuine passion for creating a more sustainable future, which is evident in her professional endeavors and her commitment to educating others about the importance of climate action and energy transition. All these accomplishments reflect her remarkable journey and unwavering dedication to the field of sustainability, positioning her as an inspiration for budding professionals in the energy and environment sectors.
Highlights
The United States -- the world’s largest economy (and second-largest emitter) -- aims to halve GHG emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. But in my experience, few organizations have yet turned those pledges into detailed plans for adjusting their business models to thrive in a net-zero economy.
That’s why my colleagues Rory Clune, Will Glazener, Laura Corb, Dickon Pinner, Daan Walter and I have published a new guide for business leaders looking to navigate America’s net-zero transition.
Creating an effective business plan for the net-zero transition won’t be easy, but the companies that understand the factors at play can better position themselves for long-term success and positive impact.
Please read and download the report here, then let me know your thoughts:
I am pleased to share with you a new report published today by McKinsey, “Curbing methane emissions: How five industries can counter a major climate threat”. As the global community prepares for the COP26 climate summit, taking place in Glasgow in November, and recent announcements on the joint EU and US pledge to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030, this topic is more timely than ever.
There are 5 key messages:
- Methane is a huge driver of global warming. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that accounts for 30% of global warming today, making it the second-largest contributor to climate change.
- Stabilizing the climate is not possible without major and rapid reductions in methane. If methane emissions continue to grow at the current rate, the warming from methane alone would push temperatures past the 1.5°C threshold.
- There are five industries that have an opportunity to drive significant methane reductions quickly: agriculture (40-50% percent of methane), oil and gas (20-25%), coal mining (10-15%), solid waste (7-10%), wastewater (7-10%).
- The mix of methane emissions sources varies a lot by market.
- Methane abatement is relatively low-cost. Over 90% of current abatement measures can be deployed at a cost below $25/tCO2e.
- Innovation is still needed to maximize methane abatement.
