Cara Williams

Cara Williams is a highly accomplished and influential leader in the field of sustainability, climate strategy, and investment trends. As Senior Partner and Global Head of Climate and Sustainability at Mercer, a leading global consulting firm, Cara plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving Mercer’s sustainability value proposition and market positioning.

With over 30 years of experience in the investment and consulting industry, Cara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She joined Mercer’s investment consulting business in April 2005 as Global COO, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. Cara began her career in finance as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in New York. Before entering the investment industry, she was responsible for budgets and logistics for the US Army and NATO MWR deployments.

Cara leads Mercer’s sovereign wealth fund strategy and relationships, helping some of the world’s most significant institutional investors navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability and long-term investment priorities. She is a sought-after speaker at high-profile global forums including COP, the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Milken Institute Global Conference, and the Future Investment Initiative (FII), where she regularly shares insights on climate resilience, investment innovation, and the future of sustainable growth.

Cara’s passion for sustainability and her commitment to driving positive change are evident in her work. She collaborates closely with organizations — both public and private — as well as asset owners of all types, to help them establish and achieve their long-term strategic goals. Through her guidance and expertise, she assists these organizations in developing robust strategies to deliver on their sustainability and investment commitments.

In addition to her professional achievements, Cara is a dedicated mentor and advocate for women and people of color in their careers. She actively supports and promotes diversity and inclusion initiatives, both within Mercer and through external programs. Her commitment to empowering others extends beyond her professional life as well — she serves on the board of Girls With Impact, an organization that trains girls to become successful entrepreneurs.

Cara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and an MBA in Finance from the University of Hartford. Her fluency in French and German enables her to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to Mercer’s global reach.

She also serves on the advisory boards of Neqsol Holdings (an international group active in energy, telecommunications, construction, and high-tech), Carson Group (a network of independent financial advisors offering coaching, consulting, training, and resources), and the German School in London.