Former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter has been appointed as a board member at Verra, an organisation responsible for setting the world’s leading standards for climate action and sustainable development.
In his new role, De Ruyter will champion efforts toward decarbonisation and sustainable energy transitions on a global scale.
“Verra, the world’s leading standards setter for climate action and sustainable development, is pleased to announce that four new members have joined its Board of Directors in 2024: Janice Kotut-Sang, Jennifer McFarlane, André de Ruyter, and Tsunehiko (Tsuney) Yanagihara,” Verra said in its website un November. “Together, they bring extensive experience as executives, founders, and strategic advisors across various sectors including climate finance and climate technology.”
De Ruyter’s career trajectory has been nothing short of phenomenonal. He left Eskom in February 2023 after an explosive interview in which he exposed widespread corruption and criminal activities at the South African power utility. This revelation led him to leave the country for his safety, as he implicated influential politicians and syndicates in looting operations at Eskom.
Later that year, De Ruyter accepted a prestigious position as a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs for the 2023-2024 academic year.
At Yale, he taught courses on just energy transitions and climate finance, focusing on the critical intersection between equitable energy transitions and global funding disparities. “It is a great privilege to teach at Yale,” he said at the time. “I find it hugely stimulating and engaging with bright faculty members and students.”
André de Ruyter: driving global standards for climate action and sustainable development
De Ruyter’s experience and expertise span decades, including roles in the energy and manufacturing sectors across South Africa, Europe, and Asia.
His tenure at Eskom included overseeing 30 power stations and conceptualising the $8.5 billion Just Energy Transition facility announced at COP26, among other achievements. At Verra, he is expected to bring this wealth of experience to advancing sustainable development and climate action standards worldwide.
A strong advocate for ethical business practices and good governance, De Ruyter has consistently emphasised the importance of addressing corruption and ensuring equitable outcomes in the transition to renewable energy.
