Ged Davis

Ged Davis is a distinguished sustainability speaker known for his pioneering work in applying long-term global scenario planning to energy and environmental policy. With a career spanning over four decades, Ged has become a vital voice in the field of sustainable development, particularly in the energy sector. His ability to communicate complex concepts such as energy transitions, climate futures, and economic policy through structured scenario planning has made him a sought-after keynote speaker for international conferences, policy forums, and corporate strategy sessions. His expertise lies in helping organisations understand and navigate the pathways toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.

His career began in the early 1970s at Shell, where he spent much of his professional life shaping global energy perspectives. Over the years, he moved through key leadership roles within the company, from Head of Energy Scenario Development in the 1980s to Head of the Energy Division, Group Planning, and eventually leading major global planning initiatives. By the 1999 Ged was the Vice President of Global Business Environment where he undertook many projects including renewables and hydrogen business. After leaving Shell, Ged became the Managing Director at the World Economic Forum.

In recent years, Ged has continued to influence global thought through leadership roles across numerous sustainability-focused organisations. As Executive Chair of Scenarios at the World Energy Council since 2013 and former CEO of Forescene S.A., he has maintained a strong presence in strategic forecasting and environmental governance. He co-authored “Catalytic Governance” in 2016, a significant work on leadership in the digital age. His contributions as Co-President of the Global Energy Assessment, overseeing hundreds of researchers and reviewers, have helped shape large-scale international understanding of energy systems and policies. Additionally, his former position as a Member of the Advisory Board at Hatch kept him closely connected to energy and economic challenges.

Ged is frequently hired as a speaker because of his unparalleled experience at the intersection of energy, environment, and long-range strategic planning. His deep understanding of global systems, combined with decades of practical leadership in scenario development, offers unique insights into sustainable pathways for governments, businesses, and civil society. Audiences value his clarity, foresight, and ability to present a roadmap for meaningful change in the face of climate and economic uncertainty.