Kara Hurst
Vice President, Worldwide Sustainability, Amazon
Professional Overview
Kara Hurst is a seasoned sustainability executive with over 20 years of experience driving innovative environmental and social initiatives. As the Vice President of Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon, she is responsible for leading the company's global sustainability strategy, overseeing programs that reduce the company's carbon footprint and promote sustainable business practices.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Vice President of Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon since 2014, Kara is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive sustainability policies and programs across Amazon's global operations. Under her leadership, the company has achieved significant milestones, including setting ambitious goals to power its operations with 100% renewable energy and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Kara's expertise in sustainable supply chain management, stakeholder engagement, and innovative sustainability solutions has been instrumental in driving Amazon's sustainability efforts and positioning the company as an industry leader in environmental responsibility.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Amazon, Kara held several leadership roles in the sustainability and corporate social responsibility field. As the CEO of The Sustainability Consortium, she led the organization's mission to improve the sustainability of consumer products. As the Vice President and Managing Director at BSR, she advised Fortune 500 companies on integrating sustainability into their business strategies and operations. Kara's extensive experience in the sustainability sector and proven track record of driving impactful initiatives have positioned her as a respected thought leader and expert in the field.
Academic Background
Kara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and Economics from Middlebury College, where she graduated with honors. She is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable development, and her academic background has provided a strong foundation for her work in the sustainability industry.
Areas of Expertise
- Sustainable business strategy and implementation
- Supply chain sustainability and circular economy
- Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
- Sustainability reporting and metrics
- Environmental policy and regulatory compliance
- Organizational change management and leadership
Professional Impact
Under Kara's leadership, Amazon has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact, including the launch of numerous sustainability initiatives such as the Climate Pledge, Amazon Recycling Program, and investments in renewable energy projects. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach have been instrumental in driving transformative change within the company and across the industry, positioning Amazon as a leader in corporate sustainability.
Conclusion
Kara Hurst is a seasoned sustainability executive with a proven track record of driving impactful initiatives and leading transformative change. Her extensive experience, industry expertise, and collaborative approach have been instrumental in shaping Amazon's global sustainability strategy and positioning the company as a leader in environmental responsibility. Kara's commitment to sustainability and her ability to translate complex environmental challenges into actionable solutions make her a valuable asset to Amazon and the wider sustainability community.
