Gemma O’Carroll currently serves as the Head of Climate Transition Planning at NatWest Group, where she leads pivotal efforts in shaping the bank's strategic response to the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change. With over 16 years of experience in the UK financial services industry, Gemma has developed deep expertise in credit and financial risk, retail finance, and capital management, distinguishing herself as a leader in the field.

In her role at NatWest Group, Gemma has been instrumental in creating the organisation’s first Climate Transition Plan, leveraging strategic insights, climate policy analysis, and enhanced climate data to embed sustainability in decision-making processes. She has spearheaded the development of emission footprinting models and delivered Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) targets across commercial sectors, making NatWest the first UK bank to publish validated SBTi targets. Additionally, Gemma leads a talented team of model developers and data scientists to innovate and operationalise climate transition solutions.

Gemma's career in financial services has been marked by her ability to lead complex, high-impact projects across multi-functional and geographically diverse teams. Prior to her current role, she held key positions at NatWest, including Climate Data & Client Engagement Strategy Lead, Earnings Volatility Manager, and Segmental Analysis Manager. In these roles, she demonstrated exceptional strategic acumen and project management skills, contributing to critical initiatives such as stress testing, profitability modelling, and customer value analysis.

Gemma combines a strong academic foundation with practical experience to influence financial and risk strategies at the organisational level. Her ability to communicate complex concepts with clarity and engage across all levels of seniority has been a hallmark of her leadership.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gemma is deeply committed to community engagement and education. She has played an active role in mentoring junior staff and graduates, speaking at numerous events to inspire the next generation of finance professionals. Her involvement in workplace charity and community initiatives, including presenting on financial awareness to young people through educational programs, underscores her dedication to making a positive impact.