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Sustainability Runs Deep in Ethics Ranking

Leaders at PepsiCo, Climate Counts, and PAX named to 2011 List
Feb 9, 2012 3:15 PM ET

Of those named to Ethisphere’s “2011 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics” last month, readily apparent is the occupational diversity of the field.  Rare is the occasion that one sees the likes of Michelle Obama (#53) and Stephen Colbert (#48) listed alongside the Annie Kishens (#36 - Director of CSR for PepsiCo India) and Mike Bellamentes (#45 – Director of nonprofit Climate Counts) of the world. 

The more subtle point to be drawn, however, is the unique cross-section of environmental thought leaders represented in the rankings.  A sign that eco-consciousness has become a mainstay in what is deemed ethical business practices, the 2011 list included several professionals either loosely or intricately tied to corporate sustainability trends.  
 
While former Timberland CEO, Jeff Swartz (#24) made it his mission to embed resource conservation into his company’s psyche, sustainability blogger Marc Gunther (#66) was keeping companies honest through the written word.  Joe Keefe (#82), President and CEO of Pax World Investments, made his mark by way of innovative sustainable investing solutions, while Annie Kishen pioneered a pledge to make Pepsi’s operations in India water positive by replenishing more water than is consumed.
 
Although few operatives of environmental stewardship penetrated the top-quartile of the list of 100 –not surprising when up against the likes of corruption activist and hunger striker Anna Hazare- the increasing visibility environmental movers and shakers is cause enough for optimism.  
 
Below is a list of honorees recognized for ethical contributions related to the environment.  To view the complete list of the 2011 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics, click here
 
The Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability.

  • #24 Jeffrey Swartz – CEO, Timberland
    Category: Business Leadership

  • #36 Annie Kishen – Director of CSR, PepsiCo India
    Category: Business Leadership

  • #45 Mike Bellamente – Project Director, Climate Counts
    Category: Thought Leadership

  • #50 (tie) Yalmaz Siddiqui – Director, Environmental Strategy, Office Depot
    Category: Design and Sustainability

  • #50 (tie) Leo Bonanni – CEO, Sourcemap
    Category: Design and Sustainability

  • #66 Marc Gunther – Blogger, MarcGunther.com
    Category: Media and Whistleblowers

  • #82 (tie) Joseph Keefe – President and CEO, Pax World Investments
    Category: Investment and Research

  • #92 Jacquelynn Henke – Real Estate Green Strategy Officer, TD Bank
    Category: Design and Sustainability

  • #94 Dennis Smith – National Clean Cities Director, Department of Energy
    Category: Government and Regulatory

  • #100 Dan Phillips – Contractor and Home Builder, Independent
    Category: Design and Sustainability

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