- Last modified: July 15, 2024
Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) play a crucial role in advancing climate action within the corporate sector and throughout supply chains by integrating sustainability into core business strategies and operations. Their responsibilities include setting carbon reduction targets, implementing green technologies, and enhancing energy efficiency to minimize waste. CSOs also focus on sustainable sourcing by collaborating with suppliers to improve the environmental and social impacts of supply chains, thereby contributing to a more resilient and responsible business ecosystem. Here are 20 notable chief sustainability officers to know in 2024:
- Renee Morin, Chief Sustainability Officer at eBay
About Renee Morin
Renee Morin has an impressive career as a Chief Sustainability Officer, currently serving at eBay since September 2020. With nearly four years in this role, she has been instrumental in steering the company’s sustainability strategies and initiatives in Washington D.C. Metro Area. Prior to this, Renee led eBay Impact’s Responsible Business division, where she focused on sustainability from July 2018 to December 2019. Her expertise extends back to her time as a Technical Advisor at Aligned Incentives and as an Independent Sustainability Strategist, where she supported companies with sustainability reporting and strategy development.
- Ellen Jackowski, Executive Vice President/Chief Sustainability Officer at Mastercard
About Ellen Jackowski
Ellen Jackowski is a prominent Chief Sustainability Officer, currently holding the position at Mastercard since July 2022. In this role, she has been pivotal in advancing Mastercard’s sustainability initiatives across the United States. Before joining Mastercard, Ellen served as the Executive Director of the HP Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding technology-related learning, charitable giving, volunteering, and disaster relief programs. Her tenure at HP spanned nearly 15 years, where she held various significant roles including Chief Impact Officer and Head of Sustainable Impact, and Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer. Ellen was instrumental in driving HP’s global sustainability strategy and innovation, showcasing her long-standing commitment to integrating sustainability into corporate practices and making a positive impact on communities.
- Sam Israelit, Partner/Chief Sustainability Officer at Bain & Company
About Sam Israelit
Sam Israelit has an extensive and notable career as a Chief Sustainability Officer at Bain & Company, a role he has held since May 2021. With over two decades at Bain, he has been instrumental in leading their Global Environment Practice, working extensively with clients to enhance sustainability across various sectors. Sam’s expertise spans manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and IT, where he has helped transform extended supply chains to achieve world-class performance. Notably, he has developed market-based solutions in climate change, responsible production and consumption, and land and ocean conservation by building relationships with environmental organizations worldwide.
- Mitch Jackson, Chief Sustainability Officer at FedEx
About Mitch Jackson
Mitch Jackson has a commendable career at FedEx, where he has been a pivotal figure in advancing the company’s sustainability initiatives for over 28 years. Currently serving as the Chief Sustainability Officer since January 2024, Mitch oversees FedEx’s environmental strategies and policies. Prior to this role, he was the Staff Vice President, Environmental Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer, a position he held from October 2017 to January 2024. His tenure at FedEx includes significant roles such as Vice President of Environmental Affairs & Sustainability, Staff Director of Environmental Affairs & Sustainability, and Managing Director of Corporate & International Environmental Programs. Mitch began his journey at FedEx as a Manager of Environmental Engineering in 1996.
- Kate Wylie, Chief Sustainability Officer at CHANEL
About Kate Wylie
Kate Wylie is Chief Sustainability Officer and President of Fondation CHANEL, where she has been leading the company’s sustainability initiatives since April 2021. In addition to her role at CHANEL, Kate has been an influential member of the Board of Advisors for the DEFRA Council for Sustainable Business since July 2018, contributing her expertise to promote sustainable business practices. She also served as a board advisor for the Dasgupta Review on Economics of Biodiversity for HM Treasury from September 2019 to April 2021. Prior to her tenure at CHANEL, Kate was the Global Vice President of Sustainability at Mars, where she worked from September 2017 to April 2021, and the Global Sustainability Director from June 2010 to September 2017.
- Jessica Alsford, Chief Sustainability Officer at Morgan Stanley
About Jessica Alsford
Jessica Alsford has a remarkable career at Morgan Stanley, where she currently serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer and CEO of the Institute for Sustainable Investing, a position she has held since June 2022. In this role, she leads the firm’s sustainability strategy and initiatives, driving forward-thinking investments and sustainable business practices. Prior to this, Jessica was the Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainability Research from January 2017 to June 2022, where she led sustainability research efforts globally. She also held the role of Head of Sustainability Research from October 2012 to June 2022, establishing herself as a leader in the field.
- Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA
About Karen Pflug
Karen Pflug is a notable Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA, a position she has held since August 2021, where she oversees the company’s sustainability strategies from their base in Leiden, South Holland. Prior to this role, Karen was the Chief Executive Officer of Ikano Insight from September 2019 to August 2021. Ikano Insight is a data insight and business intelligence agency that transforms data into meaningful and actionable insights, helping companies address complex challenges through innovative solutions. Before her tenure at Ikano Insight, Karen served as IKEA’s Global Head of Quality from April 2014 to August 2019, where she was responsible for the Quality for Life strategy and initiatives across the IKEA Franchise System.
- David Webb, Chief Sustainability Officer at BCG
About David Webb
Currently serving as Managing Director of North American Systems and global Chief Sustainability Officer at BCG, David plays a significant role in integrating sustainability into BCG’s global strategy. He co-founded BCG TURN, a specialized transformation business, and led its operations in North America. David’s expertise spans organizational design, growth strategies, and cost improvement initiatives, with a significant focus on the food and beverage sectors and beverage alcohol industry. Prior to joining BCG, David gained valuable experience at General Electric in roles spanning operations and project management in the U.S., Hungary, and Italy.
- James Temple, Chief Sustainability Officer at PwC Canada
About James Temple
James Temple has held a leading role as Chief Sustainability Officer and Philanthropic Advisory Services Leader at PwC Canada since February 2010, where he has significantly shaped the firm’s approach to sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. With over 14 years in this leadership position, James has overseen the integration of sustainability into PwC Canada’s operations and client services, emphasising corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices. His responsibilities also include managing the firm’s philanthropic advisory services through the PwC Canada Foundation. Prior to joining PwC, James gained experience in stakeholder and community relations at Direct Energy and corporate citizenship at RBC. He began his career as an Analyst in Environment & Biodiversity at the Nature Conservancy of Canada, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability throughout his career.
- Caroline Roan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Pfizer
About Caroline Roan
Caroline Roan is currently serving as Chief Sustainability Officer, Senior Vice President of Global Health & Social Impact, and President of The Pfizer Foundation. With over 15 years dedicated to corporate responsibility and global health initiatives at Pfizer, Caroline has spearheaded efforts to integrate sustainability into the company’s core strategies. Her leadership includes overseeing Pfizer’s philanthropic endeavors through The Pfizer Foundation, focusing on global health and patient access initiatives. Prior to her current roles, Caroline gained experience at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, where she managed a substantial portfolio aimed at enhancing community health.
- Judith Wiese, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Siemens
About Judith Wiese
Judith Wiese is currently serving as the Chief People and Sustainability Officer (CPSO) of Siemens AG, a role she has held since October 2020. She is also a member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, with special responsibilities including overseeing People & Organization, Sustainability, and Global Business Services. Judith’s career at Siemens reflects her commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering corporate culture while driving sustainability initiatives aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Prior to joining Siemens, she served as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at DSM from October 2017 to October 2020, where she contributed significantly to organizational development and talent management strategies.
- Velislava Ivanova, Chief Sustainability Officer at EY
About Velislava Ivanova
Velislava Ivanova currently holds dual roles at EY: Global Strategy and Markets Leader for Climate Change and Sustainability Services, and Chief Sustainability Officer for EY Americas. She has been in these positions since April 2021 and July 2024, respectively. In her current roles, Velislava drives EY’s sustainability objectives by leading EY clients in developing ESG strategies tailored to their industry-specific and geographic needs. Her responsibilities include advising boards and C-suites on transitioning to low-carbon, circular, and inclusive economies, thereby enhancing long-term value creation through ESG initiatives.
- Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo
About Jim Andrew
Jim Andrew currently serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer and Executive Vice President at PepsiCo, a role he has held since September 2020. He is also a member of the Executive Committee at PepsiCo. In his current position, Jim oversees PepsiCo’s global sustainability strategy and agenda, ensuring that sustainability is integrated into the company’s operations across all business units. He leads initiatives such as the Beyond the Bottle business unit, which includes SodaStream and focuses on delivering beverages free from single-use packaging. Jim is responsible for driving long-term value creation through sustainability efforts, including governance and strategic frameworks.
- Bea Perez, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Coca Cola Company
About Bea Perez
Bea Perez has had a notable career at The Coca-Cola Company spanning over three decades, currently serving as the EVP & Global Chief Communications, Sustainability, and Strategic Partnerships Officer since January 2024. In this role, she oversees global communications, sustainability strategy, and strategic partnerships, driving initiatives that integrate sustainability into the core of Coca-Cola’s operations and global partnerships. Prior to her current position, Bea served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Communications, Sustainability, and Strategic Partnerships Officer from May 2017 to February 2024. During this tenure, she led strategic efforts to manage Coca-Cola’s worldwide marketing assets, sports, music, entertainment partnerships, global innovation, licensing, and retail businesses. Her leadership was instrumental in setting high-level sustainability goals, driving scaled investments, and managing global NGO partnerships.
- Virginie Helias, Chief Sustainability Officer at Procter & Gamble
About Virginie Helias
Virginie Helias has been a pivotal figure at Procter & Gamble (P&G) for over three decades, currently serving as the Chief Sustainability Officer since July 2016. Based in the Geneva Area, Switzerland, she is responsible for embedding sustainable practices and innovations across all aspects of P&G’s operations, collaborating closely with business unit leaders and external partners. In her role, Virginie Helias leads efforts to integrate sustainable thinking into P&G’s business strategies, addressing challenges related to product manufacturing, marketing, and usage. Under her leadership, P&G has made significant strides in advancing its sustainability goals, focusing on sustainable innovations that contribute to both business growth and environmental stewardship.
- Paulette Frank, Chief Sustainability Officer at Johnson & Johnson
About Paulette Frank
Paulette Frank has dedicated nearly three decades to Johnson & Johnson (J&J), where she currently serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer since January 2021. Based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Paulette leads the environmental sustainability efforts for J&J, the world’s largest and most broadly based healthcare company. Her role involves defining J&J’s strategic direction to enhance positive environmental impact and supporting solutions that intersect human and environmental health.Prior to her current role, Paulette held the position of Worldwide Vice President, Environmental Health, Safety & Sustainability from July 2015 to January 2021. In this capacity, she provided strategic leadership across J&J’s businesses to advance the organization’s mission in environment, health, safety, and sustainability. Paulette represented J&J in external engagements, fostering partnerships and advocating for the company’s commitment to creating a healthier future for communities and the planet.
- Jon Chorley, Chief Sustainability Officer at Oracle
About Jon Chorley
Jon Chorley has been working Oracle Corporation since August 1997, currently holding dual roles as the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and Group Vice President (GVP) for Supply Chain Management (SCM) Strategy and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Development. Based in Redwood Shores, California, Jon oversees Oracle’s product strategy for all SCM products and leads the development of Oracle’s Product Value Chain solutions, including Agile PLM and PIM. As Oracle’s CSO, Jon Chorley spearheads the company’s environmental sustainability initiatives, both internally within Oracle and externally with stakeholders. His responsibilities include driving and coordinating sustainability efforts across Oracle’s operations, products, and partnerships, ensuring alignment with global sustainability goals and best practices.
- Kathryn Alsegaf, Chief Sustainability Officer at Deloitte
About Kathryn Alsegaf
Kathryn Alsegaf currently serves as the Global Chief Sustainability Officer based in McLean, VA. In this role, Kathryn leads Deloitte’s WorldClimate strategy aimed at addressing climate change, including achieving science-based targets and a net-zero goal by 2030. She oversees the implementation of global sustainability programs, policies, and initiatives across the Deloitte network, ensuring alignment with environmental goals and promoting best practices in sustainability reporting and transparency.Prior to her current position, Kathryn held the role of Associate Director of Sustainability at Deloitte from January 2011 to June 2017. During this time, she advanced sustainability performance through innovative approaches and promoted sustainability reporting using frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), and United Nations Communication on Progress. Kathryn drove the adoption of internal sustainability initiatives across Deloitte member firms and collaborated extensively on sustainability reporting and environmental responsibility efforts.
- Melanie Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft
About Melanie Nakagawa
Melanie Nakagawa has built a commendable career at the forefront of climate policy and sustainability, spanning pivotal roles across government, finance, and technology sectors. Currently serving as Corporate Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft since January 2023, Melanie leads the company’s global sustainability strategy, integrating environmental considerations deeply into Microsoft’s operations and driving impactful initiatives across the organization.
Before her tenure at Microsoft, Melanie held influential positions including Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Climate and Energy at the National Security Council, The White House, from January 2021 to August 2022. In this role, she played a crucial role in shaping U.S. climate and energy policy, coordinating strategies across federal agencies, and advising on climate initiatives both domestically and internationally.
- Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Google
About Kate Brandt
Kate Brandt has built a notable career at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and policy, serving in influential roles across government, academia, and corporate sectors. Currently, she holds the position of Chief Sustainability Officer at Google, a role she has held since May 2018. In this capacity, Kate leads Google’s global sustainability strategy, driving initiatives to minimize the company’s environmental footprint and maximize positive social impact through innovative technology solutions and sustainable business practices. Prior to her role at Google, Kate served as Federal Chief Sustainability Officer at the White House from May 2014 to July 2015. In this pivotal role, she led the development and implementation of federal sustainability policies and initiatives, advocating for sustainable practices across government operations.
