Book IWD Speaker: Alexandra Palt

Former Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer of L'Oréal

Alexandra Palt is one of Europe’s leading voices in corporate responsibility, sustainability, and gender equality. She is the former Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer at L’Oréal, as well as CEO of the Fondation L’Oréal. Her work has redefined how major corporations approach social impact, embedding inclusivity and sustainability at the heart of business strategy. A powerful keynote speaker for International Women’s Day, Alexandra brings rare insight into leadership that combines purpose with measurable action.

Alexandra began her career studying law in Austria, specialising in human rights. Her early experience working with NGOs and human rights organisations shaped her belief that business must be a driver of positive change. Mentored through the European “Preparing Young Women to Lead” programme, she learned first-hand the value of women’s leadership in shaping fairer societies. When she moved to France, Alexandra joined HALDE—the French High Commission against Discrimination and for Equal Opportunities—as Executive Vice-President, leading national efforts to promote equality and combat systemic bias.

In 2012, Alexandra joined L’Oréal as Chief Sustainability Officer, where she spearheaded the company’s global transformation towards environmental accountability and social inclusion. Under her leadership, L’Oréal launched L’Oréal for the Future, a sustainability strategy designed to align business operations with planetary boundaries and ensure the company’s entire value chain—suppliers, partners, and consumers—plays a role in reducing environmental impact. She later became CEO of the Fondation L’Oréal, where she expanded global initiatives that empower women in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Alongside her corporate leadership, Alexandra is the founder and general manager of Fabric of Society, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting responsible business and ethical leadership. Her research for a Doctorate at ESCP Business School further explores how organisations can balance profit with purpose.

Alexandra’s talks inspire audiences to see sustainability not as a compliance issue, but as an opportunity for transformation. Her message resonates strongly on International Women’s Day: that equality and sustainability are inseparable, and that progress requires courage, collaboration, and compassion. Drawing from her experience leading one of the world’s most recognisable brands, she shares actionable strategies for inclusive leadership and sustainable innovation.

Whether addressing global executives or young professionals, Alexandra Palt challenges every audience to rethink their impact and use their influence for good, making her a sought-after keynote speaker for events dedicated to empowering women and driving systemic change.

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