Earthwatch welcomes new CEO, Larry Mason
As I examine the businesses that Earthwatch has enjoyed working with over the last 20 years, I’m impressed by the breadth of industry: From mining companies and multi-national banks, to restaurant chains and agri-businesses.
So what ties these diverse organizations together? It’s the recognition that sustainability is not just a passing fad, or a box-ticking exercise; it’s good business sense. By protecting our natural resources now, we can be sure that they will be there when we need them in the future.
My own background includes a successful thirty year, for-profit business career. I spent almost twenty years in sales, marketing and management at Proctor & Gamble. A particular highlight of my time there included a remarkable nine year experience living in Asia, leading sales operations in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and India. I also had the privilege to lead US Walmart Stores Customer Team. More recently, I served as President of Goodyear’s $6 billion North American Consumer Tyre Division for five years, and in 2008, I left big business to start up a privately held investment company with holdings in healthcare.
This wealth of experience means that I have an acute understanding of the importance of evaluating environmental impact and ensuring we can live in balance with our fragile planet.
And there’s more than one way to achieve this. I find myself inspired by the range of programs we’ve initiated with forward-thinking businesses. From a large-scale water management program engaging aimed at engaging thousands of HSBC staff, to fielding Mitsubishi employees on coral reef conservation research projects worldwide, nurturing their sense of environmental responsibility, and encouraging clarity of thinking in leadership. We have worked with Starbucks to facilitate improved coffee production methods in Costa Rica that bring a fair deal for farmers, and have enhanced scientific understanding of cocoa sustainability issues in Ghana with Cadbury.
There’s no secret to our excellent track record of successful relationships. They’re simply based on trust and teamwork. We work with each prospective partner as a stakeholder, rather than placing pressure from the outside. We collaborate to determine which of our products will see the most benefits, and are always willing to revisit and hone relationships to stay relevant within the ever-changing landscape of corporate responsibility.
And perhaps the most motivating element of our corporate partnerships is that the change does not begin and end within the business, but ripples out into other communities and organizations. The Earth Skills Network, for example, is a Business Skills Transfer program which has seen Earthwatch Institute and Royal Dutch Shell share business skills with UNESCO employees to aid effective conservation management of the world’s most precious natural areas. Many other partners have funded our Capacity Development program, supporting emerging scientists worldwide.
Sustainability is not just an activity, but an attitude. It’s about recognizing that long term success means making a positive difference now.
I’m excited to be making that difference with you, and look forward to building a winning future together.
Keep in touch.
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