Leslie Johnston

Chief Executive Officer, Laudes Foundation

Leslie Johnston

Topic: Expectations and contributions to adaptation and its progress measurement from a philanthropy and private sector perspective.

As its founding CEO, Leslie Johnston leads the development of the execution of Laudes Foundation’s strategy to deliver on its mission to accelerate the transition to a green, fair and inclusive economy.

Leslie currently serves on the boards of the European Venture Philanthropy Association (as Chair), Fashion for Good BV, the Platform forAaccelerating the Circular Economy (PACE), Built by Nature Stichting ( as Vice Chair), Climate Resilience for All, as well as University College London's Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose Advisory Board.

Leslie has over 25 years of management experience across business, entrepreneurship, development and philanthropy. Previously, she headed C&A foundation as its first Executive Director, repositioning it as a global catalyst to make fashion a force for good. She served as Executive Director of the Argidius Foundation, Deputy Director for TechnoServe in Africa and a management consultant for McKinsey & Company.