Nelson Switzer
Managing Partner of Climate Innovation Capital
TEACHES:
Nelson Switzer is an adjunct professor within Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) Program.
He is a Managing Partner of Climate Innovation Capital, CIC, a growth equity firm focused on delivering superior risk-adjusted returns and decarbonization of the economy. Nelson is a strategic C-level executive and board advisor known for making organizations more competitive, profitable, innovative and trusted by embedding the principles of sustainable development into organizational decision-making.
An expert in issues that affect corporations, governments and communities, including climate change, water, plastic and inclusive engagement, Nelson is an architect of the restoration economy principle, which holds that we must restore the Earth’s environmental capital in order to ensure a future of abundant natural resources, social equity and economic prosperity – that which is needed to sustain humankind’s compulsion to grow and prosper healthfully.
Nelson has held positions as Chief Growth Officer, Loop Industries; Chief Sustainability Officer and Sustainability Leader, Nestlé Waters North America and Nestlé in the United States; Director & Leader of Sustainable Business Solutions at PwC; Head of Corporate Responsibility, Centrica plc NA; and Senior Manager of Environmental Affairs, Royal Bank of Canada. He has also held adjunct positions and executive-in-residence status at leading universities including the University of Waterloo and Ivey School of Business.
Nelson holds a Master of Engineering from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Brunswick. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two sons.