Published by HRCap, Inc. on August 28, 2024
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) leaders are the visionaries driving the shift toward more sustainable, ethical, and responsible business practices. These pioneers address some of the world’s most pressing challenges by integrating environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance into corporate strategies.
In this blog, we spotlight the Top 12 Global ESG Influencers leading the charge for sustainable transformation. From champions of renewable energy to advocates for social impact and corporate responsibility, these leaders drive meaningful change and have set new standards for ethical leadership in the modern world.
Top 12 Global ESG Influencers
Katharine Hayhoe is a renowned atmospheric scientist known for her ability to communicate the complexities of climate science to both scientific and general audiences. As the Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy and a Distinguished Professor at Texas Tech University, she has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about climate change and influencing policy. Her TED Talk on climate action has over 4 million views, showcasing her thought leadership.
Hayhoe has received several accolades, including being named Chatelaine Magazine Canadian Women of the Year in 2019, Foreign Policy’s 100 Global Thinkers in 2019, and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2014.
2. Kate Brandt
As the Chief Sustainability Officer at Google, Kate Brandt leads the company's ambitious efforts to become the most sustainable corporation in the world. Brandt spearheads Google's commitment to operating on carbon-free energy 24/7 and minimizing the environmental impact of its operations. Her innovative strategies for renewable energy and energy efficiency have set a new standard in corporate sustainability.
Brandt was previously honored by the Obama administration as the nation’s first Chief Sustainability Officer and has received numerous recognitions, including being named one of Fortune's 40 Under 40 in 2021 and one of Sustainability Magazine’s Top 100 CSO in 2023. Additionally, the US Navy awarded her the Distinguished Public Service Award for helping the Navy go green.
Alessandro Blasi is the Special Advisor to the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), where he provides strategic advice on energy transitions and sustainable policies. Blasi is deeply involved in shaping the global energy landscape, offering insights on decarbonizing major industries while maintaining economic growth.
Blasi’s work has been instrumental in positioning the IEA as a global leader in promoting clean energy. Before serving as the Special Advisor to the Executive Director, he co-led work on IEA’s World Energy Investment Report in 2016 and 2017 and contributed to the World Energy Outlook as a senior analyst from 2010 to 2015.
4. Marci Zaroff
As the founder and CEO of Ecofashion Corp, Marci Zaroff has pioneered the "eco-fashion" movement, advocating for organic, ethically-made clothing. Zaroff's focus on merging fashion with sustainability has driven systemic change in the apparel industry, influencing major brands to adopt greener practices.
Zaroff’s contributions to fostering sustainability in the fashion industry have earned her various accolades, including Women’s Wear Daily’s “2023 ESG Leadership Award,” Real Leaders’ “2022 Global Impact Award,” and Real Leaders’ “Top 100 Global Impact Award” in 2021.
Helle Bank Jørgensen is a leading authority on corporate sustainability and governance. As CEO of Competent Boards, she has developed a global community of board members and executives committed to driving long-term sustainable value. Jørgensen advises organizations on integrating ESG principles into their strategic decisions and governance frameworks. Her work has been a game-changer for corporate boardrooms worldwide, shaping the future of responsible corporate governance.
Jørgensen’s influence has earned her accolades such as being named to The Globe and Mail 50 Changemakers for 2023, the Women’s Executive Network “Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award” in 2022, and SustainabilityX Magazine’s Global 50 Women In Sustainability Award in 2022.
Mark Esposito is a leading figure in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and business strategy. As the co-founder of Nexus FrontierTech and an Affiliate Faculty at Harvard Business School, he advocates for using AI and other advanced technologies to tackle ESG challenges. He is acknowledged internationally as a top global thought leader on matters related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Esposito has been recognized for his groundbreaking work in sustainability and received various awards, such as Thinkers 360’s “Top 50 Influencers in the World for Sustainability” in 2022, MIT Tech Review’s “Top 100 Tech Influencer” in 2020, and Thinkers50’s “Thinkers Reinventing Capitalism” in 2015.
7. Axel Reinaud
Axel Reinaud is at the forefront of the carbon removal industry as the CEO of NetZero. With his background as the Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Reinaud brings a strategic approach to solving the world’s most pressing climate problems through carbon capture technologies. Under his leadership, NetZero drives innovation that could revolutionize global carbon neutrality efforts.
Due to his contributions, his company was awarded as Green Tech Winner of the 2023 Tech For Good Awards, which gives recognition to organizations and individuals who pursue societal improvements through technological advancements
Lisa Ekstrand is a visionary in renewable energy, serving as the VP of Sustainability at Vestas Wind Systems, one of the world's largest wind turbine manufacturers. Ekstrand oversees Vestas' ambitious sustainability goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Her work in promoting renewable energy technologies has significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the energy sector.
Ekstrand's leadership has garnered her several industry awards, including recognition as one of Futur/io “Europe’s Top 20 CSO Award Nominees” and was named on TIME’s 100 Climate 2023 List.
9. David Carlin
David Carlin is a thought leader in climate finance and risk, guiding organizations toward integrating climate considerations into financial decisions. As the founder of Cambium Global Solutions, he works with global institutions to develop climate risk practices within the financial sector. Carlin is also actively involved in driving climate disclosures and risk management frameworks.
With his various skills and thought leadership, he has worked with over 100 institutions and clients and has developed best practices for managing environmental risks. As a Forbes contributor, he has written over 60 articles on climate change and leadership. Additionally, he is recognized as a top voice on LinkedIn for sustainability.
10. Wawa Gatheru
Wawa Gatheru is an environmental advocate and youth leader known for her intersectional approach to climate activism. She is the founder and Executive Director of Black Girl Environmentalist (BGE), an organization focused on supporting Black girls, women, and gender-expansive individuals in the climate sector. Under her leadership, BGE has become a nationally recognized organization, working with 80 corporate and non-profit partners and hosting over 120 events across 12 cities. Gatheru’s work bridges environmental justice and policy, inspiring younger generations to take action.
Wawa's efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including being recognized on “Forbes’ 30 under 30 List” under Social Impact in 2024, the “Glamour College Woman of the Year” in 2020, and Grist’s 50 2020 Fixers. Additionally, she has been recognized as a Young Futurist by The Root and a Young Changemaker at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards.
11. Sally Chan
Sally Chan is a prominent voice in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social impact. As an Executive Advisor at Paramount Veterans Network, she creates initiatives that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while supporting veteran communities. Chan’s career has been marked by a dedication to coaching and increasing access to opportunities for others.
With her wealth of experience, she serves as a Board Member for The Mission Continues and USC’s Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab. As a result of her contributions, she was recognized and nominated for the Goodworld’s “2022 Good Human Award Lionheart Category,” which honors an individual who drives purposeful impact for both people and organizations through intentional day-to-day actions.
12. Aadith Moorthy
Aadith Moorthy is revolutionizing the agricultural sector through innovative technologies designed to improve soil health and combat climate change. As the CEO of Boomitra and the founder of ConserWater Technologies, Moorthy has developed AI-driven solutions to increase agricultural efficiency while reducing environmental impact. His work has attracted global attention and investment.
Aadith Moorthy has received widespread recognition for his innovations in sustainable agriculture, including being named a 2023 Earthshot Prize winner and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. In 2024, his company Boomitra was also featured on TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies list for its groundbreaking impact on climate solutions.
Conclusion
The Top 12 Global ESG Influencers featured in this spotlight embody the future of responsible leadership. Their commitment to sustainability, social equity, and governance excellence transforms industries and policies and inspires the next generation of ESG professionals. From revolutionizing clean energy solutions to advancing corporate accountability, these leaders are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and inclusive world. Their work underscores the vital role that visionary leadership plays in creating long-lasting, positive impact across society and the environment.
Source: HRCap, The Nature Conservancy, Katherine Hayhoe, The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market, Harvard, LinkedIn
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