Benjamin Sporton
Benjamin Sporton was appointed Chief
Executive of the World Coal Association in June
2015 after serving as Acting Chief Executive
from November 2014.
Benjamin joined the World Coal Association as
Policy Director in May 2010 and became Deputy
Chief Executive in May 2012. Before his
appointment as Chief Executive Benjamin led
WCA’s strategic and business planning, and was
responsible for leading WCA's policy and
advocacy work with a particular focus on energy
poverty, sustainable development and climate
change issues.
As Chief Executive Benjamin has driven WCA’s
reinvigorated advocacy agenda and established
the WCA as a thought leader on energy and
climate issues. He regularly comments on coal,
climate and energy issues in the international media including appearances on CNN, BBC
and CNBC and in the publications such as the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, the
Australian and Bloomberg among many others.
Benjamin is a member of the International Advisory Committee to the Energy &
Environment Foundation of India, the National Coal Council of the United States, the Coal
Industry Advisory Board to the International Energy Agency and World CTX Advisory
Board.
Prior to joining the World Coal Association, Benjamin held senior policy leadership roles in
United Kingdom and Australia. His achievements have included leading legislative reforms
through the South Australian parliament to reform the state’s ailing workers compensation
system, supporting the Mayor of London’s consultation on extension of the London
Congestion Charge and modernising conduct of UK elections at the Department for
Constitutional Affairs.
He holds an honours degree in politics from the University of Adelaide and has also studied
at the University of Buenos Aires and the Australian Institute of Management.