Pia Heidenmark Cook

Senior Advisor & Former Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA

Pia Heidenmark Cook is renowned for her pioneering work in sustainability, particularly through her influential role at IKEA. As the former Chief Sustainability Officer, Pia was instrumental in shaping and executing IKEA's sustainability strategy, achieving remarkable and award-winning outcomes. Under her guidance, the global retail giant embarked on a transformative journey towards environmental consciousness, setting new benchmarks for the industry. Her efforts have not only advanced IKEA’s sustainability credentials but also inspired other companies to adopt similar environmentally friendly practices.

Since assuming the role of Chief Sustainability Officer in 2017, Pia has been a driving force behind IKEA's ambitious goal to become people and planet positive by 2030. Now a Senior Advisor for the company, she has focused on setting and achieving sustainable development goals across all divisions of IKEA. Her initiatives include sourcing cotton and wood more ethically and leading the company to win prestigious accolades such as the Circular Economy Award from the World Economic Forum and the Sustainable Leaders Award in 2020. Pia's tenure as head of sustainability for IKEA’s retail and expansion efforts further solidified her reputation as a leader in sustainability.

Pia’s career is deeply rooted in promoting environmentally conscious business practices. After earning her degree in environmental management and policy, she worked as an environmental consultant before taking on the role of Vice President of Responsible Business for The Rezidor Hotel Group. Here, she established significant corporate social responsibility goals. Her leadership extended to chairing the International Tourism Partnership and co-chairing The Retailers’ Environmental Action Programme, highlighting her influential presence in the industry. More recently, in 2022, she joined the Board of Directors for Bupa and became a member of their Sustainability Committee, and in 2023, she joined the Advisory Board of Decathlon.

Pia Heidenmark Cook is a highly sought-after speaker for International Women's Day and other prominent events due to her extensive expertise and impactful career in sustainability. She has delivered insightful talks at numerous industry conferences and for corporate clients, sharing practical strategies and actionable advice on sustainable business practices. Her TED talk, "How Ikea is Growing its Business Whilst Shrinking Emissions," received widespread acclaim, underscoring her ability to engage and inspire audiences. Pia's remarkable achievements and her dedication to fostering sustainable business make her a compelling and respected keynote speaker.

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