In an era where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a fundamental component of corporate strategy, the role of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) has never been more critical. These leaders are at the helm of driving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, ensuring that their organizations not only comply with regulatory requirements but also set industry benchmarks for sustainable practices. The following profiles highlight ten influential CSOs from some of the world’s largest and most impactful companies. These individuals are spearheading efforts to reduce carbon footprints, promote renewable energy, and foster inclusive and equitable business environments, shaping a sustainable future for all.
Lisa Jackson – Apple Inc.
Lisa Jackson, a former Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, has been leading Apple’s environmental initiatives since 2013. She oversees efforts to minimize Apple’s carbon footprint, expand renewable energy projects, and manage resource conservation. Jackson is also involved in Apple’s $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, focusing on education, economic opportunity, and criminal justice reform. Her leadership has been instrumental in Apple’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral across its entire supply chain and product life cycle by 2030.
Rebecca Marmot – Unilever
Rebecca Marmot has been with Unilever since 2007 and became the Chief Sustainability Officer in 2019. She is responsible for driving the company’s Sustainable Living Plan, which includes ambitious targets for reducing environmental impact and increasing social impact. Marmot played a significant role in Unilever’s participation in the 2015 Paris Agreement and the establishment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Her approach emphasizes transparency, stakeholder engagement, and partnerships to achieve sustainability targets.
Olivier Blum – Schneider Electric
Olivier Blum has been with Schneider Electric for over 28 years and currently serves as the Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer. He has integrated sustainability into the core of Schneider Electric’s business strategy, focusing on access to clean energy and digital solutions. Under his leadership, the company has made significant strides in becoming a leader in sustainability, with commitments to carbon neutrality and advancing sustainable energy technologies.
Judith Wiese – Siemens
Judith Wiese is the Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Siemens. She focuses on fostering an inclusive and empowering culture within the company while driving sustainability initiatives. Wiese believes in the business benefits of sustainability and works to align Siemens’ sustainability goals with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Her background in human resources and business administration supports her holistic approach to integrating sustainability into the company’s operations.
Kate Brandt – Google LLC
Kate Brandt, Google’s Chief Sustainability Officer, leads the company’s sustainability initiatives globally. She is a strong advocate for the circular economy and works to integrate sustainable practices across Google’s operations, products, and supply chains. Brandt previously served as the Federal Environmental Executive under President Obama, where she focused on sustainability efforts across federal agencies. At Google, she has been pivotal in advancing the company’s sustainability agenda, including achieving carbon neutrality and powering operations with renewable energy.
Velislava Ivanova – EY (Ernst & Young)
Velislava Ivanova is the Chief Sustainability Officer for EY Americas. With over 25 years of experience, she leads EY’s efforts to support clients in transitioning to low-carbon and circular economies. Ivanova’s work spans various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, and consumer goods. She is known for her inclusive approach and innovative ESG solutions, helping businesses address industry-specific sustainability challenges and stakeholder needs.
Virginie Helias – Procter & Gamble
Virginie Helias has been with Procter & Gamble for over three decades and currently serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer. She created and holds this position, driving sustainability into the heart of P&G’s business strategy. Helias focuses on integrating sustainable practices into innovation and brand-building efforts. Her leadership has led to significant advancements in P&G’s environmental initiatives, including reducing packaging waste and enhancing product sustainability.
Lucas Joppa – Microsoft
Dr. Lucas Joppa is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft. He is recognized for his expertise in environmental science and has been a global voice for sustainability in the tech industry. Joppa leads Microsoft’s ambitious goals to become carbon negative by 2030 and achieve zero waste. He also works on developing technologies and systems to better monitor and manage Earth’s natural systems, aiming to inspire other companies to follow Microsoft’s lead in environmental stewardship.
Charlotte Wolff-Bye – PETRONAS
Charlotte Wolff-Bye serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer at PETRONAS, where she oversees efforts to reduce carbon emissions and modernize fuel solutions. With a background that includes roles at Arcelor Mittal and the United Nations Environment Programme, Wolff-Bye brings extensive experience in sustainability leadership. Her role at PETRONAS involves steering the company towards more sustainable and lower-carbon energy solutions, positioning it for a greener future.
Nate Hurst – BlackRock
Nate Hurst is the Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer at BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. He integrates sustainability goals into BlackRock’s operations and oversees the social impact team and the BlackRock Foundation. Hurst has a background in sustainability leadership roles at Walmart, HP, and Wells Fargo. His approach combines philanthropy with business strategies to improve reputation, drive purpose-driven value, and ensure inclusivity and environmental stewardship.
These leaders exemplify the integration of sustainability into corporate strategies, helping their companies make significant progress in environmental and social governance.