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Leaders

Co-Founder

Sir Richard Branson

Founder, Virgin Group; Co-founder, The B Team

Sir Richard Branson

Founder, Virgin Group; Co-founder, The B Team

“I believe business must be leading, and not waiting on, the shift toward an inclusive future. I joined The B Team to stand at the forefront of this movement and inspire others to join.”

Sir Richard Branson is the Co-Founder of The B Team and Founder of the Virgin Group. Richard serves on the Climate Working Group and The B Team Australia Network Steering Committee. As a B Team Leader, his efforts are helping to build a net-zero economy that leaves people and communities thriving and resilient.

Co-Founder

Jochen Zeitz

President, CEO & Chair, Harley-Davidson, Inc.; Co-founder, The B Team

Jochen Zeitz

President, CEO & Chair, Harley-Davidson, Inc.; Co-founder, The B Team

“Business cannot ignore the impact it has on people and our planet. I co-founded The B Team to help ensure that impact is a positive one—and one the private sector views proactively.”

Jochen Zeitz is Co-Founder of The B Team and ZEITZ MOCAA, Founder of the Zeitz Foundation and The Long Run, and former Chairman and CEO of PUMA SE. Jochen serves on The B Team Africa Network Steering Committee and helps drive The B Team’s efforts to advocate for corporate sustainability governance both regionally and globally. Jochen’s work as a B Team Leader also helps companies quantify and act on environmental risk.

Chair

Jesper Brodin

CEO, Ingka Group (IKEA); Chair, The B Team

Jesper Brodin

CEO, Ingka Group (IKEA); Chair, The B Team

"Together we have a decade to prevent irreversible damage from climate change to the home we all share, the planet. I joined The B Team to spark real change–we need to take a positive, proactive and collaborative approach to turn the climate challenge into scalable solutions–together. It’s good business to be a good business and the time for talk is over. We will act, now."

Jesper Brodin is Chief Executive Officer of Ingka Group (IKEA) and Chair of The B Team. Jesper brings his experience in building business practices and products with sustainability and equality at their core to The B Team's effort to lead the path toward an inclusive economy.

Vice-Chair

Sharan Burrow

General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation; Vice-Chair, The B Team

Sharan Burrow

General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation; Vice-Chair, The B Team

“The world’s working people need a new social contract. That’s why I joined The B Team—to create the dialogue in partnership with business, civil society and governments for a new social contract to advance social progress for all.”

Sharan Burrow is Vice-Chair of The B Team and General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation. Sharan serves on The B Team Australia Network Steering Committee and the Climate, Governance and Workplace Equality Working Groups. Sharan’s commitment across The B Team’s causes helps ensure a future of decent, safe and healthy work for all.

Ajay Banga

Executive Chairman, Mastercard, Vice-Chair of General Atlantic

Ajay Banga

Executive Chairman, Mastercard, Vice-Chair of General Atlantic

“From rising temperatures to rising inequality, we are facing some of the most trying challenges of our time and none of us will succeed unless we all can succeed. I joined The B Team to partner with this esteemed group of individuals as we look to tackle these large societal challenges.”

Ajay Banga is executive chairman of the board of directors of Mastercard. He moved into this role following 11 years as the company’s president and chief executive officer. He is also chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce. A longtime advocate for diversity, inclusion and belonging at work, Ajay brings his experiences in building a workplace that strives to win with decency and in supporting governments as they build economies that work for all to The B Team’s efforts to chart the path toward leading with sustainability, equality and accountability.

Oliver Bäte

CEO, Allianz Group

Oliver Bäte

CEO, Allianz Group

“Companies have responsibilities toward society, which go beyond their own shareholders. I joined The B Team to help businesses realize these responsibilities for a shared future that benefits all.”

Oliver Bäte is CEO of Allianz Group. Oliver serves on The B Team’s Climate and Governance Working Groups. His work as a B Team Leader is helping to catalyse business action toward a net-zero economy ripe with opportunity for all people.

Ester Baiget

President & CEO, Novozymes

Ester Baiget

President & CEO, Novozymes

“As global industry leaders, to make real change and ensure we can live within the boundaries of a healthy planet we must look beyond our own walls and solutions. I joined The B Team to connect with a strong, courageous group of leaders that are determined to actively advocate for change by engaging in dialogue and setting the tone with tangible examples of bold leadership.”

Ester is an experienced international leader with a strong track-record.

Ester came to Novozymes after working as president for Dow’s Industrial Solutions business unit and a member of the executive leadership team. She joined Dow in 1995 as an engineer in Tarragona, Spain. In her years as Business President for Industrial Solutions, the business expanded the market, improved its market-leading position, delivered double-digit growth and strong earnings.

She holds a chemical engineering degree and an MBA from the University of Tarragona (Spain).

Marc Benioff

Founder, Chairman and Co-CEO, Salesforce

Marc Benioff

Founder, Chairman and Co-CEO, Salesforce

“As business leaders we have a responsibility to all stakeholders—customers, employees, partners, communities and the environment—not shareholders alone.”

Marc Benioff is Founder, Chairman and CEO of Salesforce. As a B Team Leader, Marc has helped spearhead our engagement with entrepreneurs. His commitment to economic and social equality is helping to further business action toward improving the state of the world.

Kathy Calvin

Former President and CEO, UN Foundation

Kathy Calvin

Former President and CEO, UN Foundation

“The just and sustainable future we envision for 2030 and beyond is only possible through collaboration. I joined The B Team to partner with innovators across sectors to help bring this vision to life.”

Kathy Calvin is the Former President and CEO of the UN Foundation. Kathy serves on The B Team’s Climate Working Group. Her work as a B Team Leader helps develop a thriving and resilient net-zero world, which eliminates poverty and ensures equality for all.

David Crane

Former CEO, NRG Energy and Clean Energy Investor

David Crane

Former CEO, NRG Energy and Clean Energy Investor

“When you recognize that your company or industry is contributing to rising global temperatures that endanger our children and climate-driven societal injustices, you have a moral imperative to act. That’s why I joined The B Team—to show that the private sector can lead the way to a more sustainable and equitable future.”

David Crane is the former CEO of NRG Energy. He serves as co-chair of The B Team’s Climate Working Group. A clean energy crusader, David’s work as a B Team Leader is fundamental to accelerating the shift to a net-zero economy that benefits all.

Emmanuel Faber

Former Chairman and CEO, Danone

Emmanuel Faber

Former Chairman and CEO, Danone

“Without fairness, there is no way we can create an economy that will tackle our collective challenges of today: inequalities, health, migrations, climate. That’s why I joined The B Team—to collectively face these challenges today, for a better tomorrow.”

Emmanuel Faber is the Chairman and CEO of Danone. He serves on The B Team’s Equality Working Group. As a B Team Leader, Emmanuel is helping to foster inclusive workplace cultures that build a thriving future for both people and business.

Christiana Figueres

Founding Partner, Global Optimism and Convenor of Mission 2020

Christiana Figueres

Founding Partner, Global Optimism and Convenor of Mission 2020

“Without optimism, it is almost impossible to tackle any large challenge. And without collaboration across unusual sectors, getting things done takes way too long. I joined The B Team to accelerate these crucial cross-sector conversations and partnerships.”

Christiana Figueres is Founding Partner of Global Optimism, Convenor of Mission 2020 and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2010-2016). Christiana serves on The B Team’s Climate Working Group. She is a tireless optimist and advocate for cross-sector ambition and collaboration to address the impacts of climate change.

Mats Granryd

Director General, GSMA

Mats Granryd

Director General, GSMA

“Building a truly equal world is not something that any of us can do alone—as individuals, as companies, even as an industry. But working together, we truly can make a difference—that’s why I joined The B Team.”

Mats Granryd is Director General of the GSMA. He serves as Co-Chair of The B Team’s Workplace Equality Working Group. An advocate for gender equality and responsible business leadership in an increasingly disruptive digital landscape, Mats’ work on The B Team helps to build a future where all communities, consumers and companies can succeed.

André Hoffmann

Vice Chairman, Roche Holding AG

André Hoffmann

Vice Chairman, Roche Holding AG

"Business can be a force for good, as long as its purpose is not merely to make money but to serve the community and satisfy societal needs sustainably"

André Hoffmann is Vice-Chairman of Roche Holding AG and Board Trustee of the World Economic Forum and the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As a leading voice in conservation and sustainability, André brings a wealth of experience in advocating for an approach to climate action that accounts for nature and biodiversity.

Arianna Huffington

Founder and CEO, Thrive Global

Arianna Huffington

Founder and CEO, Thrive Global

"We need to redefine success. True, sustainable success has to be built around purpose and well-being. More and more companies are realizing that what’s good for their people is also good for their business and the planet. I joined the B Team to accelerate this culture shift."

Arianna Huffington is the Founder and CEO of Thrive Global. She serves on The B Team’s Workplace Equality Working Group. Arianna’s dedication to creating sustainable and purpose-driven workplaces is crucial to a private sector that prioritizes people and planet alongside profit.

Van Jones

CNN contributor and founder of the Dream Corps

Van Jones

CNN contributor and founder of the Dream Corps

“It is increasingly clear that we need more private sector solutions to public sector problems. In the face of mounting ecological and social crises, individuals, families and governments can do only so much, acting alone. We must leverage the power of markets, the ingenuity of entrepreneurs and the reach of global brands to bend the curve in a powerful way. I am proud to join the B Team, as it seeks solutions to the planet’s toughest challenges.”

Van Jones is a U.S. media personality, an entrepreneur and a world-class change maker. He has a rare track record in the modern era of bringing people together to do hard things -- in areas as diverse as clean energy solutions, criminal justice reform and racial inclusion in the tech sector.

Dr. Mo Ibrahim

Founder, Celtel and Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Dr. Mo Ibrahim

Founder, Celtel and Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation

“Business is essentially a force for good. I joined the B Team to work on strengthening corporate governance and transparency.”

Dr. Mo Ibrahim is the Founder of Celtel and the Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and Chair of Satya Capital Limited. He serves on The B Team Africa Network Steering Committee and as Co-Chair of The B Team’s Governance Working Group. With a focus on responsible tax and beneficial ownership transparency, Mo’s stewardship as B Team Leader helps to support good governance globally and exceptional leadership across Africa.

Ilham Kadri

CEO and President of the Executive Committee of Solvay

Ilham Kadri

CEO and President of the Executive Committee of Solvay

"A sustainable future depends on our abilities, as business leaders, to take ambitious collective actions on pressing issues of our time and beyond such as climate change or social inequalities. We need to look in the same direction, and this is what The B Team is all about, we align our visions to make sustainable change happen."

Ilham Kadri is CEO and President of the Executive Committee of Solvay, a materials, chemicals and solutions company which through its purpose, values and science contributes to protecting the climate, preserving resources and fostering a better life.

Yolanda Kakabadse

Former President, World Wildlife Fund International

Yolanda Kakabadse

Former President, World Wildlife Fund International

“Business is a natural lever to help catalyze change. Building solutions to some of the biggest challenges our world faces relies on advancing this power and collaboration—that’s why I joined The B Team.”

Conservationist Yolanda Kakabadse is the Former President of World Wildlife Fund International (WWF). She serves on The B Team’s Climate Working Group. With a breadth of experience in both government and civil society, Yolanda’s leadership on The B Team underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration when working to secure a healthy and prosperous planet.

Joseph D. Kenner

President and CEO of Greyston

Joseph D. Kenner

President and CEO of Greyston

“The B Team and Greyston share many common interests, including recognition of the dignity of work and striving to employ individuals who face significant barriers to employment. The ability to assist those who need a first or second chance to provide for themselves and their families will be enhanced by collaborating with B Team and its leaders.”

Joseph D. Kenner was named President and CEO of Greyston in April 2020. As the leader of one of the country’s most well-known social enterprises, Joe frequently shares his expertise on purpose-driven business, and building a more inclusive economy through employment, workforce development, and social services.

Isabelle Kocher

Former CEO, Engie

Isabelle Kocher

Former CEO, Engie

“We’re entering a new era for business. It’s no longer a choice to operate for the benefit of the environment and society. I joined The B Team to help companies realize that there is no winning company on a losing planet.”

Isabelle Kocher is the former CEO of Engie. She serves on The B Team’s Climate Working Group. Her work as a B Team Leader is helping to accelerate the shift toward a net-zero emissions economy that builds strong communities, decent jobs and competitive markets.

Guilherme Leal

Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Natura

Guilherme Leal

Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Natura

“The big changes we seek will not be promoted by a single country, sector or organization. We need to work in partnership. I joined The B Team to work in tandem with leaders across sectors to transform the way we do business.”

Business and social entrepreneur Guilherme Leal is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Natura & Co. As a B Team Leader, his work is fundamental to demonstrating and advancing successful, purpose-driven entrepreneurship that keeps people and planet at its core.

Andrew Liveris

Chairman Emeritus and Former Chief Executive Officer, Dow Chemical

Andrew Liveris

Chairman Emeritus and Former Chief Executive Officer, Dow Chemical

“The collective will of all of us has to be organized in a way that creates the intersection of business, government, and civil society under one title: humanity. I joined The B Team to advance this collective humanity.”

Andrew Liveris is the Chairman Emeritus and Former Chief Executive Officer of Dow Chemical. He serves on The B Team Australia Network Steering Committee and the Climate and Workplace Equality Working Groups. As a B Team Leader, Andrew has ensured that the manufacturing industry is a key stakeholder in collective efforts to radically reduce carbon emissions and secure a net-zero economy.

Hiro Mizuno

UN Special Envoy on Innovative Finance and Sustainable Investments

Hiro Mizuno

UN Special Envoy on Innovative Finance and Sustainable Investments

"It’s the mutual responsibilities of investors and corporates to promote long-term sustainable economic growth. Investors must accelerate business transformation for a sustainable and inclusive society. B Team Leaders understand our responsibilities and more importantly know how to do it profitably."

Hiro Mizuno is the UN Special Envoy on Innovative Finance and Sustainable Investments and the Former Executive Management Director and CIO of Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF). Prior to joining GPIF, he was a partner of Coller Capital, a London-based private equity firm. He previously worked for Sumitomo Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. in Japan, Silicon Valley and New York. He also serves as a member of Board of the Principles for Responsible Investment and as a World Economic Forum Global Future Council member.

Paul Polman

Business leader, campaigner and co-author of “Net Positive”

Paul Polman

Business leader, campaigner and co-author of “Net Positive”

“If you don’t bring purpose to business, citizens of the world will ask: why are you around in the first place? I joined The B Team to build a private sector driven by purpose.”

Paul Polman is the former CEO of Unilever (2009-2019) and works to accelerate action by business to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which he helped develop. Paul serves on The B Team’s Climate and Governance Working Groups. Paul’s new book, “Net Positive”, is a call to arms to courageous business leaders, setting out how to build net positive companies which profit by fixing the world’s problems rather than creating them. He is the Chair of IMAGINE, a social venture dedicated to systems change, and Saïd Business School, and is Vice-Chair of the UN Global Compact.

Jean Oelwang

Founding CEO and President, Virgin Unite

Jean Oelwang

Founding CEO and President, Virgin Unite

"I’m honored to be joining a group of leaders who are committed to realizing a better way of doing business for humanity and the planet. I look forward to working collectively to tackle unacceptable issues, to heal divisions and to create an economic system that benefits all."

Jean is the founding CEO and President of Virgin Unite. She has helped corporations put the wellbeing of people and the planet at their core, including working with over 25 Virgin businesses across 15 industries to help embed purpose in all they do. Over the last 15 years, Jean has worked with partners to lead the incubation and start-up of several global initiatives, including Virgin Unite and The B Team’s 100% Human at Work Network.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Director-General, the World Trade Organization, Former Chair, Gavi: The Vaccine Alliance, Former Finance Minister, Nigeria and Former Managing Director, World Bank

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Director-General, the World Trade Organization, Former Chair, Gavi: The Vaccine Alliance, Former Finance Minister, Nigeria and Former Managing Director, World Bank

“What the world needs is a new dialogue: one that brings the private and public sectors together to stand up for what is right. I joined The B Team to evolve this dialogue for a fair future.”

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Director-General of the World Trade Organization. She is Former Chair of Gavi: The Vaccine Alliance, Former Finance Minister for Nigeria and Former Managing Director of the World Bank. Ngozi’s leadership at The B Team has been fundamental to holding the powerful to account, catalyzing transparent governance and helping to build trust in crucial institutions.

Torben Möger Pedersen

CEO, PensionDanmark

Torben Möger Pedersen

CEO, PensionDanmark

"The mission of creating a more sustainable and inclusive world is as important as ever and there is huge responsibility for those with power to help facilitate a change. The boldness of The B Team stands out in the endeavor to realize the green transition and combat growing inequalities across the globe."

Torben Möger Pedersen is the CEO of PensionDanmark. As a leading asset owner, Torben brings experience in advocating for an approach to investing that includes the health of people and the planet to The B Team's efforts to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy by 2050.

Mary Robinson

Former President of Ireland and Chair, The Elders

Mary Robinson

Former President of Ireland and Chair, The Elders

“I am confident that if we put our mind to it business can help build the inclusive economy of tomorrow. For the benefit of our world’s most vulnerable, business cannot remain silent or inactive. I joined The B Team to help spark this private sector action.”

Former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, is Chair of The Elders. She serves as Co-Chair of The B Team’s Climate Working Group. Mary’s leadership has helped bring justice to the forefront of the climate agenda—justice for those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change: the poor, the disempowered and the marginalized across the world.

Hamdi Ulukaya

Founder, Chairman and CEO, Chobani

Hamdi Ulukaya

Founder, Chairman and CEO, Chobani

“We need companies to step up and do their part. It’s not a choice, it’s a responsibility. I joined The B Team to create a sense of urgency among all business leaders to not just talk—but to act.”

Hamdi Ulukaya is the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chobani. He serves on The B Team’s Equality Working Group. Hamdi’s work as a B Team Leader helps to shape new corporate leadership norms around valuing inclusivity, community and responsibility.

Zhang Yue

Chairman and Founder, Broad Group China

Zhang Yue

Chairman and Founder, Broad Group China

“Sustainable development is critical in an era where social transformation and accelerating urbanization is occurring in many countries. As a B Team Leader I have the opportunity to advance rapid low-carbon revolution in the global architecture and transportation.”

Zhang Yue is Chairman and Founder of Broad Group China. Zhang serves on The B Team’s Climate Working Group. He is dedicated to advancing energy efficient technologies, particularly around energy reservation and lightweight transportation. His efforts as a B Team Leader are helping to ensure businesses and cities scale in a sustainable and minimally impactful way.

Professor Muhammad Yunus

Chairman, Yunus Centre

Professor Muhammad Yunus

Chairman, Yunus Centre

“The best way to cultivate a sustainable business is to solve humanity's greatest problems. I joined The B Team to encourage business models that drive these solutions and empower people at all levels of society.”

Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus is Chairman of the Yunus Centre, Founder of Grameen Bank and Yunus Social Business. His efforts to create economic and social development for those in most-need has engendered greater levels of financial inclusion and economic opportunity for women around the world.