Grace Rawnsley is the Port of London Authority’s first Director of Sustainability, appointed in 2023 to accelerate decarbonisation across the tidal Thames — one of the UK’s busiest and most complex inland waterways. She leads the PLA’s net zero strategy, focused on enabling a transition to a zero-emissions river economy through vessel decarbonisation, electrification of port and river operations, and the development of low-carbon infrastructure. 

Alongside this, Grace oversees the PLA’s broader sustainability agenda, including climate resilience, air and water quality, and a sector-leading approach to intertidal biodiversity net gain (BNG), helping to embed environmental enhancement within river development. She also works in partnership with the water industry and regulators to address key challenges such as sewage discharges and long-term ecosystem recovery. 

Grace brings over 20 years’ experience in sustainability and environmental leadership. Prior to joining the PLA, she spent 13 years at the City of London Corporation, where she led delivery of the organisation’s climate action commitments as Climate Action Programme Director. Earlier roles at conservation organisations, including the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, shaped her expertise in habitat management and nature recovery. 

She combines strategic leadership with practical delivery experience in decarbonisation, climate transformation, and environmental management — supporting the transition to a cleaner, more resilient and nature-positive future for the Thames and the wider maritime sector.