Michael Rea is Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust, a global climate consultancy powered by the mission to accelerate the move to a decarbonised future. Michael was appointed as Chief Executive in August 2024 and leads its work with businesses, governments and financial institutions to drive positive climate action.

Michael joined the Carbon Trust in 2002 as Director of Strategy, helping to build the organisation from inception, designing and launching its initial work with business and the public sector. He has over twenty years of experience working with clients and partners to reduce emissions and to capture the economic opportunities around the transition to a Net Zero world. He has led the Carbon Trust’s work in policy and innovation, such as energy efficiency, offshore wind, fuels cells and emissions trading.

In 2007 Michael was appointed Chief Operating Officer and joined the Carbon Trust Board. As COO, he helped guide the successful transition to a self-funded business model, growing the Carbon Trust’s work. He also expanded the business into new markets establishing offices in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, growing the business to over 400 employees globally.

Prior to the Carbon Trust, Michael worked at McKinsey & Company where he specialised in corporate strategy and performance improvement. Before that he spent four years at Procter & Gamble in supply chain and production roles.

He is a graduate of University College Dublin where he completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) degree and holds an MBA from INSEAD, Paris.