The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) has announced the appointment of Shamir Ghumra as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees, succeeding Richard Carter, who has served in the role since 2020.
IEMA says Shamir brings extensive leadership experience and a strong track record in sustainability and ethical business practices. As a long-standing IEMA member and advocate for sustainable development, Shamir has held key positions in the built environment and certification sectors, including his current role as Executive Director of Responsible Business at NHS Property Services. His previous roles include BREEAM Director at BRE, Head of Building Performance Services at BRE, and President of the Live Data Trust. He has also served on various advisory panels and sustainability boards, demonstrating his commitment to driving systemic change.
“This is an incredible moment for IEMA as we move towards launching our new identity and together write the next chapter for our profession.” said new Chair Shamir Ghumra. “I am grateful to all of the IEMA team, members, and supporters from all over the world for getting us to this point. My specific thanks to our Chair Richard for his leadership, guidance and sage counsel over the past few years. I look forward to meeting colleagues and members and hearing your thoughts to make the organisation even stronger.”
Richard Carter steps down after five years as Chair, during which time IEMA expanded its influence and membership while navigating the global challenges of climate change, ESG regulations, and the post-pandemic recovery. Under his leadership, IEMA says it strengthened its position as a leading voice for environmental and sustainability professionals.
Richard Carter said:
“Having been at IEMA for seven years now, I’ve seen a lot of change. I’m grateful to members for having extended my term and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved: our membership has grown by over 50%, we represent professionals in over 120 countries, we’ve influenced policy, court judgements, corporate behaviour and media articles, and we’ve raised diversity throughout the sector. As an organisation, we have stable systems and finances ready for more growth, and we’ve been publicly recognised for our inclusive and friendly culture. These accomplishments enable the work we do that secures real and permanent change.
“I’ve worked in sustainability for a long time, and it’s a privilege to have been part of IEMA. I’ll continue as a member of course, but this is a good opportunity to offer my personal and sincerest thanks to everyone in the staff team and volunteer committees at IEMA – I really will miss them all, especially Sarah – and to our members for continuing to change the world, project by project. With today’s politics and economies so uncertain, the consistent and scientifically informed progress in every organisation we represent provides stability, aspiration and cause for optimism. Everyone I’ve met in this profession has been thoroughly decent, and it’s a privilege to have a public platform to say that.
“I’m genuinely delighted that Shamir will be taking on the role of chair now. He’s a calm, considered, and strategic leader. IEMA is in excellent hands as we move forward to our next chapter and new identity. The next few years will be an exciting and progressive period!”
Sarah Mukherjee MBE, CEO of IEMA, welcomed the appointment:
“I would like to extend thanks from the entire organisation to Richard for his superb leadership. I know that I and the entire team have valued his wise advice, his thoughtful guidance and his overwhelming kindness in his interactions with colleagues. He will be missed at staff meetings, and we very much hope that our paths will cross again in future.
“Shamir brings a huge amount of wisdom, experience, empathy, and knowledge to the role. I have had some fantastic conversations with him so far about the future of the organisation. We are absolutely delighted to have him as Chair and very much look forward to working with him in the years to come.”
Shamir officially assumed the position in June 2025 and will work closely with the Board of Trustees and executive leadership to support IEMA’s mission of transforming the world to sustainability.
