Akanksha Sharma

VP- Sustainability- Middle East, North Africa & Indian Subcontinent

Professional Overview

Akanksha Sharma is an accomplished sustainability leader with a proven track record of driving impactful environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives across diverse industries. As the VP- Sustainability for the Middle East, North Africa, and Indian Subcontinent at DP World, she leverages her extensive expertise to develop and implement comprehensive sustainability strategies that create long-term value for the organization and its stakeholders.

Experience Summary

Current Role

In her current role at DP World, Akanksha is responsible for spearheading the company's sustainability efforts across the Middle East, North Africa, and Indian Subcontinent regions. She leads the strategic planning and execution of sustainability-focused initiatives, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall ESG goals. Akanksha's leadership has been instrumental in driving measurable improvements in DP World's environmental and social performance, contributing to the company's recognition as a sustainability leader in the industry.

Career Progression

Akanksha's career trajectory has been marked by a strong focus on sustainability and social impact. Prior to her current role, she served as the Global Head of ESG, Sustainability & Climate Action, Social Impact, and Governance at STL - Sterlite Technologies Limited, where she was instrumental in establishing the company's comprehensive ESG framework and driving its sustainability-focused initiatives. Akanksha has also held leadership positions at Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd. and Vedanta Resources Limited, where she made significant contributions to advancing their respective sustainability agendas.

Throughout her career, Akanksha has demonstrated a deep understanding of sustainability best practices and a commitment to driving positive change. She has been recognized for her industry contributions, including her role as a Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum.

Academic Background

Akanksha holds a Master's degree in Sustainability Management from a reputable university, where she specialized in developing and implementing sustainable business strategies. Her academic background has provided her with a strong foundation in environmental science, social responsibility, and corporate governance, enabling her to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, real-world solutions.

Areas of Expertise

Sustainability strategy development and implementation

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) program management

Climate change mitigation and adaptation

Stakeholder engagement and collaboration

Sustainable supply chain management

Corporate social responsibility and community development

Professional Impact

Under Akanksha's leadership, the organizations she has worked with have achieved notable sustainability milestones, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy usage, and implementing circular economy initiatives. Her work has contributed to the enhanced social and environmental performance of these companies, strengthening their reputations as responsible corporate citizens.

Conclusion

Akanksha Sharma's extensive expertise in sustainability and her proven track record of driving impactful ESG initiatives make her a valuable asset to DP World. In her current role, she continues to shape the organization's sustainability agenda, contributing to its long-term resilience and positive environmental and social impact across the Middle East, North Africa, and Indian Subcontinent regions.