Saara Mattero

Background

About Saara Mattero

From a very young age, I’ve had a strong sense of duty to contribute to a better world. Climate action brought me into decision-making in 2009 and for the past 15 years, I’ve dedicated my life to achieving positive impact in the sphere of European policy, regulation and green finance. I know the legislative process through and through from the Commission work programme to implementation at a regional level - and everything in between. I’ve sat on all sides of the table: as a legislator, consultant and client – even lecturing on the EU decision-making process. My background is robust on ESG through regulation, business and finance – including climate and nature, human rights and governance. I was fortunate to be included to build the world's first true impact-first state-owned investment company: at its height a €3,5bn Finnish Climate Fund with circa €185M in portfolio and almost 280 Mt CO2-eq in theoretical emissions reduction potential. I’ve specialised in the strategic use of language and I’m very experienced in communicating complex content in clear language. I believe that language creates reality, and that narratives and messages are tools to inspire people to action. I have strong leadership experience in various roles from direct line management to running voluntary organisations with hundreds of people. Since 2017, I have been in a direct managerial role: not only responsible for the content of the team’s work but also the recruitment, onboarding, everyday management, career coaching and outplacement support. I lead by example, empowering as well as enabling others, and I am very experienced in leading a diverse team in an international setting. I am driven by a mission of building a better planet for people and nature - and I know that change is only one step away.