Dr. M. Sanjayan Named CEO of The New York Climate Exchange
A new chapter begins for The New York Climate Exchange—and for climate leadership in New York City.
Today, The Exchange announced that Dr. M. Sanjayan will serve as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal moment in The Exchange’s mission to accelerate climate solutions through research, education, workforce development, innovation, and community partnership. A leading conservation scientist who has served as Chief Executive Officer at Conservation International, Sanjayan will guide The Exchange as it advances its vision for a transformational climate campus on Governors Island in New York Harbor.
Drawing on 48 partners and the global reach of New York City, the Exchange is developing a state-of-the-art climate campus on Governors Island that will bring together climate scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers under one roof—sparking the collaborations and breakthrough ideas needed to build a sustainable future. Sanjayan will lead the organization's next chapter—translating work on Governors Island into solutions that can be adopted by cities and communities around the world.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. M. Sanjayan to The Exchange and look forward to partnering with him to realize the extraordinary promise of The Exchange,” said Andrea Goldsmith, chair of The Exchange board and president of Stony Brook University—The Exchange’s anchor institution. "Sanjayan is an exceptional leader, deeply knowledgeable scientist, and outstanding communicator with a clear and compelling vision for the future of The Exchange. He brings to the role an impressive track record leading transformational growth and meaningful success as CEO of Conservation International. With Sanjayan’s remarkable experience and expertise, with our impactful work to date, and with strong partnerships across academia, industry, government, and the community, The Exchange is incredibly well-positioned to deliver impactful climate solutions for New York, our country, and the world.”
A leader at the intersection of science and storytelling
Sanjayan brings a rare combination of scientific rigor and public engagement. As CEO of Conservation International from 2017 to 2025, he led two landmark capital campaigns totaling $2.4 billion, expanded the organization’s global presence to 1,800 staff across 35 countries, and built partnerships with major companies including Apple, Microsoft, Mastercard, and Procter & Gamble.
A conservation biologist by training, he has also helped bring climate and nature stories to global audiences through award-winning documentaries and broadcasts with PBS and BBC. In 2024, he was named to TIME’s inaugural 100 Climate list.
"Climate change is both a crisis and an opportunity for humanity. It’s a privilege to lead The New York Climate Exchange at this consequential and defining moment for people and the planet. I cannot think of a more powerful platform from which to accelerate solutions that the world urgently needs."
— Dr. M. Sanjayan
A campus designed for impact
The Exchange will soon establish a state-of-the-art campus on Governors Island. This inspiring showcase of innovative sustainable design will serve as a global hub for collaborative climate solutions. Once open, Governors Island will become a renowned destination where hundreds of students, faculty, researchers, and climate-curious visitors can be found immersed in “semester abroad” style academic courses, engaged in cutting-edge research opportunities, pursuing job training for the green economy, and attending world-class convenings and public programming.
This vision is made possible in part by a major capital commitment from the City of New York, a $100 million pledge from the Simons Foundation and Simons Foundation International, and a $50 million commitment from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
"The New York Climate Exchange builds on a vision for Governors Island that I first laid out during my campaign for mayor in 2001, when we proposed turning it into a center for education and research,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies. “At the time, some dismissed the vision as ‘naïve,’ since the federal government still controlled the island and had long neglected it. But we began bringing the vision to life, and over the years, it has steadily taken shape. The Climate Exchange represents the next step, creating a home for the talent and innovation needed to help cities confront climate change while creating jobs. With Sanjayan at the helm, it will have the leadership needed to do both."
Even before the campus opens, The Exchange is building energy and engagement across New York City and beyond.
During Climate Week NYC 2025, it hosted more than 30 events with 40 partners, drawing over 2,300 attendees. More recently, Earth Week programming spanned the city—from a data-focused Climate Solutions Summit to community-led sustainability events with NYCHA residents.
The organization is also preparing to launch its second cohort of Climate Tech Fellows, supporting entrepreneurs focused on energy and resilience solutions.
“The Exchange is exactly the kind of collaborative effort needed right now to accelerate innovative climate solutions," said Antha Williams, Interim CEO of the New York Climate Exchange and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Environment Program Lead. “Sanjayan’s leadership and environmental expertise will be essential to turning that collaboration into real impact for communities in New York and around the world."
Looking ahead
As The Exchange continues to grow, its mission remains clear: connect ideas to action, and local innovation to global impact.
"On Governors Island, the New York Climate Exchange will embed cutting edge research, education, climate innovation, and more, in a site built for experimentation and deep public engagement” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “Dr. M. Sanjayan brings the leadership to deepen that promise and ensure the New York Climate Exchange becomes a model for how cities solve their greatest challenges together."
"By partnering with Stony Brook University, one of New York's premier public institutions, and The New York Climate Exchange, we are making sure that green jobs, community-driven climate solutions, and access to Governors Island are available to all New Yorkers” said Julie Su, Deputy Mayor of New York City for Economic Justice. “Dr. M Sanjayan is a tremendous addition who will continue to drive climate innovation and solutions."