José María Figueres Olsen

In Detail

After years of public service, José María joined the Management Board of the World Economic Forum and was appointed its first CEO. He was the chairperson of the Carbon War Room, created by Sir Richard Branson, later also becoming its chief executive. José María helped launch the Global Ocean Commission and became its Co-Chair together with David Miliband and Trevor Manuel. Now as Co-Chair of Ocean Unite he has taken on the task to chart a way forward for the high seas; to identify challenges and threats and highlight reforms that will allow the ocean to be managed effectively, productively and sustainably for the maximum benefit to humankind. In 2017, José María resigned from his position at the Carbon War Room, which later transformed into the Rocky Mountain Institute. In 2022, he pursued a presidential campaign during the Costa Rican elections but was defeated by Rodrigo Chaves.