RSB announces Julia Fidler as new Executive Director
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The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is delighted to announce that Julia Fidler has been appointed as its next Executive Director, effective 24 November 2025.
Julia joins RSB from Microsoft, where she led global decarbonisation strategies across fuels and materials. At Microsoft, she contributed to the company’s ambitious sustainability goals – from advancing the use of sustainable aviation and marine fuels to driving supply chain decarbonisation. Her leadership was instrumental in initiatives that supported Microsoft’s ambitious 2030 commitment to become carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste.
Julia brings more than 15 years of global leadership in sustainability, most recently serving as Microsoft’s Global Lead for Fuel and Material Decarbonisation, where she oversaw Microsoft’s ambitious efforts to reduce Scope 3 emissions across some of the world’s most complex and carbon-intensive supply chains, including fuels, steel, and cement, as part of Microsoft’s broader 2030 commitment to be carbon negative, water positive and zero waste – one of the most ambitious corporate sustainability agendas globally.
Her career has been defined by strategic leadership in climate innovation, with a strong focus on equity, integrity, and systems change. Julia has:
- Led cross-sectoral partnerships with governments, civil society, and academia to develop sustainability quality criteria and new market mechanisms.
- Designed and negotiated first-of-a-kind procurement frameworks and offtake agreements for sustainable fuels and low-carbon materials.
- Served as Microsoft’s lead SME for Climate Innovation Fund investments in fuel and material decarbonisation.
- Represented Microsoft at COP26, the World Economic Forum, and in leadership roles with initiatives such as the Sustainable Markets Initiative and Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance.
Her appointment follows a rigorous, values-led global search process led by RSB’s Board and Secretariat, with support from an independent recruitment firm. Julia stood out for her inclusive leadership, deep technical expertise, and her alignment with RSB’s mission and culture.
Julia will work closely with outgoing Executive Director Elena Schmidt, who will remain with the organisation as Senior Strategic Advisor, supporting a smooth and stable transition.
“I am honoured to join RSB at this important moment. The challenges we face in building a truly sustainable global economy are immense, but so are the opportunities. At Microsoft, I was privileged to contribute to some of the world’s most ambitious corporate sustainability commitments, and that experience showed me the power of collaboration and innovation. I look forward to working with RSB’s members, partners and team to continue advancing the bold, credible and inclusive solutions our world urgently needs.”
– Julia Fidler, incoming RSB Executive Director
“Julia’s achievements at Microsoft – a company recognised worldwide for its bold sustainability leadership – are a testament to her ability to turn complex commitments into measurable progress. We are thrilled to see her bring this expertise and passion to RSB.”
– Adam Klauber, Chair of the RSB Board of Directors.
“I am so pleased that Julia will be stepping into this role. Having seen her leadership and commitment to sustainability first-hand, I know she will guide RSB with integrity and vision. I am excited to work alongside her in my new capacity as Senior Strategic Advisor and to support a smooth, stable transition for our community.”
– Elena Schmidt, outgoing Executive Director.
Julia’s appointment marks the next phase in RSB’s journey: strengthening its role and impact as a trusted standard-setter, convenor, and partner in building a just, sustainable bioeconomy.
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