Back in December, we shared that we were looking for a CEO or COO—not just a role, but a person who could help drive Earth Action into its next chapter. At the time, we wrote about our desire for complementarity: someone grounded, pragmatic, deeply experienced. Someone who could lead with clarity, manage with care, and make space for the rest of us to keep leaning into the systems change work we’re here to do.
Today, we’re thrilled to share that this person is Arnaud Dauriat, who will be joining Earth Action as managing director in mid-August.
Arnaud is an experienced leader in sustainability and management, with over 25 years of expertise in the field. In the past 10 years, he served as managing director for Quantis Switzerland where he grew the team from 20 to 70 people while significantly increasing the company’s positive impact and revenue and more recently as Global Chief of Staff at Quantis, a BCG Company, overseeing internal transformation at scale. Passionate about sustainability and innovation, Arnaud thrives in fostering impactful relationships and driving organizational success.
With a background in Environmental Engineering, more than 2 decades of practice in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and footprinting and over 15 publications in the field, Arnaud comes with a deep understanding of our consultants’ day-to-day job, challenges and opportunities.
Arnaud isn’t someone who seeks the spotlight. He’s the kind of leader who makes it easier for others to shine, always staying close to projects, mentoring teams, and supporting real-world decisions with analytical rigor… and that’s exactly what drew us to him. He describes himself as a builder. A guide. A conductor. His gift is turning bold vision into structured reality, without ever losing sight of the people delivering the work.
Through his experience at Quantis, Arnaud has seen what it takes to grow—and more importantly, what it takes to grow well while engaging people.
And that’s why we’re so excited he’s joining us now.
Over the past few years, Earth Action has grown quickly—in team size, ambition, and impact. That growth has been intentional, but it also comes with new complexity. Scaling a mission like ours means putting just as much care into how we grow as why we grow. It means investing in the foundations that allow a team to thrive while staying bold, creative, and sharp.
As co-founders, our strengths lie in challenging systems, mentoring talent, and pioneering new approaches. To take our work to the next level, we knew we needed a partner who brings operational depth and people-centered leadership—someone who knows how to shape the structures that support a team’s energy, clarity, and focus.
That’s why Arnaud’s arrival is such an important milestone for us. With his leadership, we’ll be able to strengthen our internal backbone while continuing to raise the bar with our methodologies and initiatives. We’ll have more space to think ahead, build bridges, and keep designing solutions that accelerate the shift to a more sustainable economy—for business and for the planet.
And this isn’t a beginning from zero. We’ve known Arnaud for years, having worked together when Earth Action and Quantis were collaborating on a more regular basis. Back when Sarah was still in the corporate world, the three of us—Arnaud, Julien, and Sarah—joined forces on a packaging data project that laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Plasteax. When the direction of that initial initiative shifted in ways we didn’t fully align with, we decided to launch Plasteax independently in 2021. So it feels like a full-circle moment to welcome Arnaud now, just as we kick off the Packaging Data Hub with our partner Systemiq, which takes that original intent to a whole new level by scaling access to meaningful packaging data across the industry.
Please join us in giving Arnaud a warm welcome. We’re so proud—and so ready—to begin this new chapter together.
Julien & Sarah
Meet Arnaud: on leadership, listening, and long-term impact
To mark his arrival, we sat down with Arnaud to hear more about what drives him, what he’s learned along the way, and what he’s most excited to build with us at Earth Action.
You’ve spent over 25 years in sustainability consulting. What has kept you committed to this field for so long?
Sustainability has never been just a job for me—it’s a deep-seated passion. The urgency to act has only grown over the years, and I firmly believe that we must change the rules to drive impactful transformation. My commitment is driven by the need to create tangible change for my children and future generations at large. Every project, every challenge, is an opportunity to push the boundaries and help shape a more sustainable world.
You’ve said you don’t see yourself as a visionary, but as someone who enables visionaries to succeed. What does that look like in practice?
My strength lies in supporting and empowering people. I’m deeply invested in fostering a working environment where brilliant minds can thrive. That means defining the structure, implementing the right conditions for success, and ensuring that everyone can build on their strengths. I see myself as a connector, someone who brings clarity and enables great ideas to become reality.
What are you most excited about in joining Earth Action at this stage of its journey?
I love new challenges, and EA is at an exciting inflection point. The opportunity to support its growth while preserving its purpose and the passion is invigorating. I’m eager to listen to the team’s needs and align them with the company’s evolution. Maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit while structuring for success is essential—it’s about finding the right balance between ambition and stability.
At Quantis, you led a team from 20 to over 70 people. What are some key lessons you’ve learned about scaling with purpose?
Growth must serve positive impact and purpose. Scaling successfully requires listening to people’s needs, providing clear perspectives, and designing a structure that supports both individual and collective growth, while adapting to evolving business needs. Communication is key, as is ensuring that new team members are onboarded effectively. The essence of the company—its spirit and purpose—must remain intact, no matter how large it becomes.
You’re known for staying close to the work—keeping “your hands in the mud.” Why is that important to you as a leader?
To lead effectively, I need to stay close to the work. Understanding the day-to-day reality of consultants helps me support them better, ensuring that solutions are grounded in actual challenges. This also keeps me up to date with industry shifts, allowing me to make informed strategic decisions. On a personal level, staying connected to sustainability consulting keeps me engaged—it’s not just what I do, it’s who I am.
What are your early thoughts about where Earth Action can grow, both as a team and as a force for change in the sustainability space?
EA has strong foundations, particularly in scientific rigor and technical expertise. Growth should be an evolution rather than a revolution—listening to the team’s urgent needs and defining priorities accordingly. A clear governance model and talent structure will help provide a clear direction, ensuring that EA continues to thrive. Additionally, exploring how responsible AI can support consultants in focusing on what matters most will be a key strategic opportunity.
What does ‘a better normal’ look like for you right now—professionally and personally?
Taking time with my family has been invaluable, helping me recalibrate what balance looks like. We’ve been able to shape family projects that complement my professional journey, reinforcing the importance of sustainable balance between work and personal life. This isn’t just personal—it’s something I want to cultivate for the EA team as well. Sustainability must extend beyond environmental impact—it should also be about ensuring that individuals thrive in all aspects of their lives, which is all the more essential in the sustainability field.
