As we enter the sixth decade of IEEP leadership, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mercedes Sanchez Varela as its new Chairperson, effective January 2026. Mercedes will be supported by Marianne Kettunen and Thomas Nowak as Deputy Chairs. Mercedes, Marianne and Thomas are not new to IEEP, having been on our Board previously; in their new roles, they will continue serving the organisation and supporting its strategic development.
A highly respected EU sustainability and climate policy adviser, with extensive experience translating complex policy challenges into future-proof, sustainable strategies for both the public and private sectors, Mercedes brings over 20 years of international consultancy experience. As a true EU insider, she is very familiar with the ways of the Brussels scene and how interaction with its stakeholders at large operates. She believes that we are in a special moment in which the EU policy is a shaper of tomorrow’s green future accelerator and a pillar of the transition to a new order.
Her appointment comes at a critical time for IEEP as we continue our mission to support ambitious environmental action, evidence-based policy, and meaningful impact at European and international levels.
A highly respected EU sustainability and climate policy adviser, with extensive experience translating complex policy challenges into future-proof, sustainable strategies for both the public and private sectors, Mercedes brings over 20 years of international consultancy experience. As a true EU insider, she is very familiar with the ways of the Brussels scene and how interaction with its stakeholders at large operates. She believes that we are in a special moment in which the EU policy is a shaper of tomorrow’s green future accelerator and a pillar of the transition to a new order.
Her appointment comes at a critical time for IEEP as we continue our mission to support ambitious environmental action, evidence-based policy, and meaningful impact at European and international levels.
Marianne Kettunen is a policy expert and advisor with 20 years of experience on the science-policy interface for sustainable development. She works across different sustainability agendas in Europe and globally. During her career, Marianne has worked on multiple climate and environmental issues, cooperating with a range of international governmental and non-governmental organisations, including UN organisations, the European Commission and Parliament, national governments, and European and international think tanks and NGOs. She is a well-loved former colleague and friend of IEEP, having established and led the Programme on Global Challenges and SDGs.
With over 20 years of experience in renewable energy, including electricity, heating, and cooling, Thomas Nowak has coordinated multi-stakeholder processes, managed projects, and led teams of experts from diverse backgrounds. Thomas has worked on several projects aimed at developing renewable energy sources. He has been contributing to scientific publications, including the IEA Energy Technology Perspectives and the REN21 Renewables Global Status Report. He has co-founded two companies that build and operate PV power plants on residential and commercial buildings.
We welcome Mercedes, Marianne, and Thomas as they take on these important leadership roles.
We also extend our gratitude to Hans Wolters, who stepped down as Chairman in December 2025 after nearly six years, for his dedication, service, and contributions to strengthening our mission.
