Claire Harbron

Claire joined as CEO of Howden Foundation in May 2025, bringing with her 15 years’ experience in international corporate and climate philanthropy.

Prior to joining Howden Foundation, Claire was Chief Investment Officer at the BHP Foundation, where she oversaw development and execution of the Foundation’s strategy, and led an international team to maximise the outcomes and impact of the Foundation’s grant-making, overseeing a portfolio of over $50 million per year.

Claire began her philanthropic career at one of the world’s largest global climate funders, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, where she led programme, portfolio and grant-making work before moving into the role of the Chief of Staff to the CEO.

Claire began her career at Ernst and Young where she worked with clients in both the public and private sector in Assurance and Advisory. She has a Master of Arts in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and is a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Claire is also a Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee for the UK-based charity, Integrity Action.