Sustainability Leadership: Top Leaders Reshaping the Business World

Sustainability is no longer a distant ideal – it’s a boardroom priority. Around the world, businesses are reassessing their strategies in response to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, evolving consumer expectations, and shifting market dynamics. Organizations are recognizing the fact that proactively addressing sustainability challenges not only mitigates future risk but also strengthens their competitive advantage.

However, achieving enduring financial, social, and ecological sustainability demands visionary leadership – leaders who innovate boldly, act strategically, and are unafraid to challenge convention. In an era defined by climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity, the role of strong, forward-thinking leadership has never been more vital.

Fortunately, many exceptional leaders are rising to the occasion, guiding their organizations toward more sustainable futures. To highlight this global shift toward responsible innovation, we’re spotlighting popular sustainability leaders who are driving real impact within their industries.

Their efforts not only inspire progress but also provide a clear roadmap for CTOs seeking to align technological advancement with sustainable transformation.

The power of purpose: Top leaders accelerating the sustainability revolution

These leaders exemplify the diverse approaches to sustainability, from corporate innovation and policy advocacy to grassroots activism and scientific research. Their collective efforts are shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Google

Kate Brandt has led Google’s global sustainability efforts since 2018. She has been named number one in Sustainability Magazine’s Top 250 Women in Sustainability 2025. 

With a thoughtful vision, Brandt has redefined how technology and environmental responsibility can coexist at scale.

Her work not only positions Google as a leader in sustainability technology but also offers a model for CTOs and technology executives seeking to leverage innovation to achieve scalable environmental impact.

Under Kate’s leadership, Google has achieved many sustainability milestones, such as:

• Matched 100% of its global electricity use with renewable energy purchases since 2017. The company also signed the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from a developer of small modular reactors (SMRs).
• Maintained carbon neutrality across its operations since 2007. It continues to pursue its bold commitment to operate entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030.
• Integrated circular economy principles into its operations, products, and partnerships to reduce waste and maximize resource efficiency. For instance, Google uses 100% recycled aluminum enclosures for its Pixel phones.
• Diverted more than 80 percent of food waste from landfills. The company’s data centers also diverted 84 percent of operational waste from disposal in 2024.
• Replenished approximately 64%of its freshwater consumption in 2024 through various water stewardship projects, increasing from 18% in 2023.
• Utilized machine learning and AI to address climate change. This includes utilizing AI to optimize energy usage in data centers and developing the Environmental Insights Explorer, a tool that assists cities in setting climate action targets.
• Ensured that all new Google products launched in 2024 had 100% plastic-free packaging.
• Partnered with organizations such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Closed Loop Partners to further its sustainability goals.

“Green recovery is absolutely critical from my perspective, and I think that green jobs can play a really important role.”

– says Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Google.

Rebecca Marmot, Chief Sustainability Officer at Unilever

Since joining Unilever in 2007, Rebecca Marmot has championed several eco-friendly practices, making one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies a leader in sustainability.

With her unwavering commitment to sustainability, Rebecca is determined to drive Unilever towards a more environmentally responsible and socially conscious future. 

Her leadership exemplifies how corporations can be powerful agents of positive, equitable global change.

Under Rebecca’s leadership, Unilever has implemented various initiatives, such as:

• Unilever is conducting pilot projects globally to reduce its virgin plastic footprint by 30% by 2026 and 40% by 2028, compared to its 2019 baseline.
• Through its hygiene brands, Unilever has a long-running corporate objective to deliver water and sanitation messaging to a billion people annually. The company has pursued this goal through educational programs, public-private partnerships, and mass media campaigns. 
• The company is committed to ensuring that everyone who directly provides goods and services to them earns at least a living wage or income by 2030.
• Initiatives are in place to help smallholder farmers protect and regenerate their local environments.
• The brand has made significant progress in lowering its operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It is working to address emissions throughout its supply chain by partnering with its largest suppliers.
• The company has set a €1 billion Climate & Nature Fund for its brands. This is to invest in projects that drive a positive environmental impact.
• It aims to implement water stewardship programs in 100 locations in water-stressed areas by 2030.

“We’ve made strong strategic choices about where to focus and have made encouraging early progress against our goals. We’re also stepping up our focus on systemic sustainability challenges to drive change that will benefit our business and society.”

– says, Rebecca Marmot, Chief Sustainability Officer.

Lisa Jackson, VP of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives at Apple

Lisa Jackson stands at the intersection of technology, policy, and purpose – guiding Apple’s journey toward environmental progress and social impact on a global scale.

Driven by a lifelong belief that innovation and responsibility must go hand in hand, Lisa is redefining what it means for a global tech company to lead with conscience.

Under Lisa Jackson’s leadership, Apple has implemented various initiatives, such as:

• The company has committed to becoming carbon neutral across its entire business, including its manufacturing supply chain and product life cycle, by 2030.
• Its environmental efforts extend to protecting forests, investing in conservation projects, and developing more energy-efficient devices with lower carbon footprints.
• Apple’s global operations are now 100% powered by renewable electricity
• Apple has implemented a widely recognized Supplier Clean Energy Program, a central component of its strategy to become carbon neutral across its entire value chain by 2030
• It has collaborated with various global stakeholders and works with local partners to reduce emissions, transition to clean energy, and adopt sustainable practices.

“Apple has dedicated our resources and our best thinking to considering the environment in everything we do: the energy that powers our operations, the materials in our devices, the companies we do business with, and the health and safety of those who make and use our products.”

– says Lisa Jackson, VP of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives at Apple.

Alastair Child, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mars Incorporated

Formerly Vice President of Global Sustainability, Mars Snacking, Alastair took the role of Chief Sustainability Officer in 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the company’s sustainability journey.

Leading a team of 30+ experts, he drives the company’s commitment to creating a positive impact on people and the planet through responsible sourcing, climate action, and regenerative business practices.

Under Alastair Child’s leadership, Mars has implemented various initiatives, like:

• Mars has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to reducing full value chain emissions by 50% by 2030.
• The company is working to eliminate deforestation in high-risk areas for key ingredients like palm oil, pulp and paper, and cocoa. Mars has already established a deforestation-free palm supply chain by significantly reducing the number of mill partners.
• It has introduced paper-wrapped chocolate bars and other packaging solutions to reduce plastic usage and promote circular economy principles.
• Initiatives like doubling the incomes of mint farmers in northern India demonstrate Mars’ commitment to improving livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices.
• “Moo’ving Dairy Forward” is a sustainable dairy plan launched by Mars in 2024, aiming to decouple greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from growth in its dairy operations.

“With average global temperatures exceeding 1.5 °C above preindustrial levels for the first time in 2024, it is imperative that we continue to perform on our promises and, in doing so, prove that sustainability is good for business. I look forward to collaborating with our partners, Associates, and stakeholders to ensure we continue to grow responsibly.”

–  says, Alastair Child, Chief Sustainability Officer, Mars, Incorporated.

James Gowen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Verizon

Verizon’s James Gowen is a man with a lot of responsibilities. Not only is he the Senior Vice President of one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, but he is also Verizon’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

James’ leadership is characterized by a commitment to integrating sustainability into Verizon’s core operations.  Verizon’s recent successes prove that it can talk the talk and walk the walk.

Under James Gowen’s leadership, Verizon has implemented various initiatives, like:

• Verizon has set a goal to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2035.
• Verizon has allocated nearly $700M of the net proceeds to finance renewable energy purchase agreements for new renewable energy projects.
• The company has implemented water conservation measures throughout its operations. It has reduced its water consumption by 7% from 2019 to 2024.
• Verizon’s Carbon Abatement Program uses artificial intelligence and network efficiency technologies to reduce emissions from its network and facilities.
• Verizon actively works to reduce and reuse materials. In 2024, the company recycled or reused over 92 million pounds of materials and sponsored free e-waste recycling events for both employees and the public. 
• Verizon is also developing on-site green energy generation at its administrative offices and other facilities. Since 2013, they have installed 38.6 megawatts of on-site green energy currently in operation.
•  Gowen represents Verizon at international forums like the World Economic Forum and the UN’s climate initiatives. This allows him to collaborate with policymakers and peers to promote green energy and sustainable practices throughout the technology sector.

“We are at the cusp of an innovation revolution similar to the days of Henry Ford. I am thrilled that Verizon is at the forefront of this industry. Stay tuned for more. The Sustainability team at Verizon is just getting started. Our children’s future depends on our success.”

– says Gowen.

Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo

 Jim Andrew spearheads PepsiCo’s worldwide sustainability efforts, integrating environmental stewardship and business growth through the company’s pep+ vision.

His recognition as the top leader in sustainability is a testament to his transformative impact at PepsiCo and his broader influence on corporate sustainability practices. 

Under Jim Andrew’s leadership, PepsiCo has implemented various initiatives, like:

• In 2023, PepsiCo doubled its regenerative agriculture footprint to 1.8 million acres globally, a step toward its 2030 goal of 7 million acres, which is its entire agricultural supply footprint. This initiative aims to improve soil health, increase on-farm diversity, enhance water management, and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to more resilient agricultural systems. 
• PepsiCo is committed to achieving 100% water replenishment in high water-risk areas.
• The company is exploring biocompostable and recyclable packaging solutions to minimize waste and promote a circular economy.
• PepsiCo has issued $2.25 billion in green bonds. This fund will support environmental sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy projects and sustainable agriculture programs.
• PepsiCo collaborates with suppliers through programs like the Sustainability Action Center and pep+ REnew to encourage adoption of renewable energy and sustainable practices, aiming to reduce supply chain emissions by 40% by 2030

“Our sustainability journey will not always be linear, but we are focused on doing the work that can both strengthen our business resilience and support a positive impact for the planet.”

– says Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo

Marika McCauley Sine, Chief Sustainability Officer at Starbucks

As Chief Sustainability Officer of Starbucks, Marika McCauley Sine advocates for responsible business practices and industry-wide sustainability solutions, influencing broader efforts to reduce environmental impact within the food and beverage sector.

By driving ambitious climate goals, ethical sourcing initiatives, and waste reduction strategies, she is ensuring that Starbucks remains a leader in sustainable business, setting a benchmark for responsible corporate practices worldwide.

Key sustainability initiatives under the  leadership of Marika McCauley Sine

• The company aims to reduce its water and carbon footprint by half by 2030.
• Introduced cold cups made with 20% less plastic in 2024.
• The company has partnered with organizations like Closed Loop Partners and other major brands to scale up circular economy infrastructure.
• Marika champions regenerative agriculture initiatives by distributing millions of climate-resilient coffee seedlings to farmers. These seedlings help increase crop yields while reducing land use and emissions.
• The brand has also initiated several water conservation projects globally.
• The company aims to have 10,000 Greener Stores certified in 2025. 

“When you fill your cup at Starbucks, you’re not just getting the world’s finest coffee – you’re  contributing to a more sustainable future..” says Marika McCauley Sine, Chief Sustainability Officer at Starbucks

Melanie Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft

Melanie’s leadership is defined by her ability to merge policy expertise with technological innovation to drive sustainability at scale. 

With a strong background in climate policy and environmental strategy, Melanie is driving Microsoft’s sustainability vision, embedding cutting-edge technology into climate solutions and corporate responsibility.

Melanie Nakagawa has headed up the tech giant’s sustainable operations since 2023 and has made a huge impact since her arrival.

Key initiatives taken under Melanie’s leadership are:

• The company aims to become carbon-negative by 2030 and to remove all historical carbon emissions since its founding by 2050.
• Expanded water replenishment projects to 90 locations in over 40 regions, aiming to meet the water positive target by 2030
• Microsoft introduced its Climate Innovation Fund (CIF) as a $ 1 billion initiative to accelerate the global development of new carbon-reduction technologies.
• It focuses on improving the energy efficiency of AI and cloud services, and invests in low-carbon materials for data centers.
• Partnered with companies like Sublime Systems to procure low-carbon cement for data center construction.
• Microsoft continues to advance initiatives like the Planetary Computer, which utilizes AI and cloud computing to analyze environmental data, enabling the monitoring of ecosystem health and informing global conservation efforts.
• Melanie is also a vocal advocate for closing the gender gap in the sustainability sector.

“Sustainability isn’t just a responsibility. It opens the door to innovation, resilience, and business growth. That’s true at Microsoft. That’s true around the world.”

– says Melanie Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft.

What does the future demand from leaders?

The future demands leaders who think beyond cost and capability. Leaders who see sustainability as a core metric of technological success. Those who integrate carbon-aware infrastructure, circular design, and data-driven accountability will define the next generation of resilient enterprises.

CTOs have as much power to shape a sustainable future as Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) – perhaps more. By drawing inspiration from these visionary sustainability leaders, CTOs can transition from simply building technology to building a lasting legacy—one where innovation and environmental impact are inextricably linked.

Ultimately, the message is clear. Technology must serve not only growth but the greater good. When innovation aligns with environmental and social responsibility, it creates lasting value for business, people, and the planet.

In brief:

As climate urgency grows and global expectations shift, forward-thinking leaders are steering their organizations toward a future where profit and purpose coexist. Their work demonstrates that sustainability is not just good ethics—it’s an innovative business strategy.