Joseph (JD) D’Cruz

Chief Executive Officer

Joseph D’Cruz (JD) joined the RSPO as Chief Executive Officer in March 2022, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

D’Cruz brings over over twenty years’ experience in sustainability, having worked on a range of global development challenges from environmental conservation and climate change to poverty reduction, economic development and disaster recovery. In his most recent position as Special Advisor, Strategic Planning & Innovation at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York, he led UNDP’s global strategy development, futures and innovation functions, working directly with the head of UNDP. He oversaw the creation of a global network of solution-finders for sustainable development, connecting experts in 170 countries and territories to address world challenges. During his career he has worked with governments, industries and communities at all levels across the Asia-Pacific as well as globally. He has previously also held the position of Co-Chair of a Global Future Council at the World Economic Forum. He began his career in management consulting, working in a range of sectors and industries prior to joining the UN.

D’Cruz is Malaysian, and was educated in Malaysia, Australia and the United Kingdom with degrees in politics, economics and international development.