Joseph D’Cruz

Joseph D.Cruz (JD) is the Chief Executive Officer of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), the leading global organisation advancing sustainable palm oil production. He leads efforts to balance economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity, working to make certified sustainable palm oil widely accessible.

JD also serves on the Board of ISEAL and as an independent non-executive director of Climate Governance Malaysia, providing strategic guidance on sustainability and climate governance across sectors.

Previously, JD served with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), most recently as Special Advisor for Strategic Planning and Innovation. He led initiatives on sustainable development, including UNDP’s Accelerator Lab Network, and drove the design and implementation of strategic and innovation agendas from New York headquarters.

He has also held leadership roles at the World Economic Forum and within UNDP on global public goods, urbanisation, and the SDGs. Born in Malaysia, JD holds degrees in politics, economics, and international development.