Kara Hurst, Vice President of Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon

Professional Overview

Kara Hurst is the Vice President of Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon, where she leads the company's global efforts to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate sustainability sector, Kara is a recognized expert in developing and implementing innovative strategies to drive positive environmental and social impact.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As Vice President of Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon, Kara is responsible for overseeing the company's comprehensive sustainability program. She spearheads the development and execution of Amazon's environmental initiatives, which include reducing the company's carbon footprint, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting sustainable product design and logistics. Under Kara's leadership, Amazon has made significant strides in enhancing its environmental performance and driving industry-wide change.

Career Progression

Prior to joining Amazon, Kara served as the CEO of The Sustainability Consortium, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability in global supply chains. She has also held various leadership roles at BSR, a prominent business sustainability consultancy, where she served as Vice President and Managing Director, East Coast. Kara's earlier experience includes serving as the Executive Director of OpenVoice and the Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations at The Children's Health Council.

Academic Background

Kara holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

Kara is renowned for her expertise in corporate sustainability, environmental policy, and supply chain management. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in their efforts to operate more sustainably. Kara's leadership skills, strategic vision, and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders have been instrumental in driving positive change within the companies and organizations she has served.

Professional Impact

During her tenure at The Sustainability Consortium, Kara led the organization's efforts to develop industry-wide sustainability standards and metrics, which have been adopted by numerous multinational corporations. At Amazon, she has spearheaded the company's ambitious sustainability initiatives, including the goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and the deployment of renewable energy sources across the company's global operations.

Conclusion

Kara Hurst's extensive experience, strategic leadership, and commitment to sustainability have made her a highly respected figure in the corporate responsibility and environmental protection fields. As the Vice President of Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon, she continues to drive the company's efforts to be a leader in sustainable business practices and to inspire others to follow suit.