Kendra Simmons

Kendra currently serves as Corporate Engagement Manager at the World Benchmarking Alliance, where she is responsible for strengthening engagement with the SDG2000 companies, particularly at the C-suite level, to help close the corporate accountability gap. 

Prior to joining WBA, Kendra worked at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, providing advisory and communications support to the CEO. She has also held key roles at New Zealand’s Ministry of Health and the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority, where she led high-impact multi-stakeholder projects and strategies related to public health, decarbonisation, and governance. Notably, she managed the development and delivery of New Zealand’s updated National COVID-19 Testing Strategy, led on national reviews of COVID-19 border incidents, and developed a series of insights pieces to encourage business decarbonisation. Kendra prides herself on operational excellence and strategic vision; able to translate complex information into compelling stories to influence decision makers. 

A New Zealand national, Kendra holds a Bachelor of Science in Development Studies and International Relations from Victoria University of Wellington, and has pursued additional training in epidemiology, equity, policy, and government processes. 

Passionate about social impact, Kendra has also been actively involved in volunteer initiatives including refugee resettlement and international mentoring programs.