In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the voices of women leaders in sustainability are not just echoing but leading the charge for a greener, more inclusive future. As the role of corporate India becomes more critical for the country to meet its net-zero targets and for making the right kind of changes, BW Sustainability World looks at the sector’s Most Influential Women driving change.

These leaders are not only pioneering sustainable practices in their sectors but also blending vision with action, empowering communities and demonstrating that progress hinges on balancing environmental responsibility with equality. From grassroots innovations to corporate leadership, these women are rewriting the narrative. Their work extends beyond just preserving the environment towards creating a more equal world.

Business Leaders Driving Sustainability
With sustainability as the cornerstone of strategic leadership, several women leaders are demonstrating that business success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. These leaders are not only driving their companies towards growth but also ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of their strategies.

Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, plays a pivotal role in integrating sustainability into the company’s operations and strategic direction. Under her leadership, HCL has made significant strides in adopting green technologies and sustainable business practices. She has led efforts to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, implement energy-efficient solutions, and invest in initiatives that benefit both the environment and society. Malhotra’s vision ensures that sustainability is a key part of the company’s core values, demonstrating how large tech firms can lead by example in fostering a more sustainable future.

At Godrej Enterprises, Nyrika Holkar, Executive Director, has been a driving force behind the company’s sustainability initiatives. With a focus on reducing environmental impact, Holkar has played a crucial role in leading the charge for more eco-friendly products and practices across various sectors, including FMCG, agriculture, and real estate. Under her guidance, Godrej has successfully implemented strategies to minimise waste, reduce energy consumption, and invest in sustainable sourcing, setting a standard for businesses to follow in the Indian market.

Susanne Pulverer, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer at Ikea India, is another leader making significant contributions to sustainability. Pulverer has been instrumental in promoting sustainable practices within the retail and home furnishings industry. Through innovative initiatives, such as sustainable sourcing, waste reduction programmes, and circular business models, she has positioned Ikea as a leader in the retail sector when it comes to environmental responsibility. Her leadership reflects her commitment to ensuring that the company not only grows in scale but does so with a strong focus on environmental stewardship.

Chandni Khosla, Board Advisor for Sustainability and Sustainable Finance, brings a wealth of expertise in advising companies on embedding sustainability into their financial strategies. With a deep understanding of the intersection between finance and the environment, she helps businesses make investments that contribute to long-term sustainability goals. Khosla’s influence extends to the global sustainability agenda, where her guidance helps companies adopt more sustainable business models, ensuring that they are not only profitable but also socially and environmentally responsible.

These women leaders are paving the way for a sustainable future, proving that with the right leadership, businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on the planet. Through their dedication and innovative thinking, they are shaping a world where sustainability is not just a trend but a fundamental business principle.

Sustainability Captains
These women leaders are driving impactful sustainability initiatives across various industries, paving the way for a greener, more responsible future.

Akansha Sharma, VP of Sustainability – Middle East, North Africa & Indian Subcontinent, focuses on sustainable logistics and supply chain management, promoting responsible global trade practices.

Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Zomato, focuses on reducing food waste and promoting sustainable food practices within the company’s delivery ecosystem. Chitra Byregowda, Head of ESG at Persistent Systems, ensures the integration of sustainable business models across the company.

Deeksha Vats, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Aditya Birla Group, is integrating sustainability across multiple sectors, focusing on energy efficiency and waste management to align with the company’s long-term environmental goals. Juhi Gupta, Director of Sustainability – South Asia Markets at Tetra Pak South Asia, leads efforts around renewable resources and recycling, ensuring the company’s packaging solutions align with sustainability goals.

Kiran Sarkar, Head of Sustainability at Mahindra & Mahindra, is pushing forward innovations in electric vehicles and sustainable farming technologies, contributing to a more sustainable automotive and agriculture sector. Madhulika Sharma, CSO at ITC, is leading efforts in sustainable sourcing, renewable energy, and water conservation. Her work ensures that ITC’s operations have a positive environmental footprint.

Priyadarshini K S, Sustainable Finance Lead – Commercial Banking at HSBC, directs investments in climate-positive projects, enabling businesses to fund sustainability-focused initiatives. Rinika Grover, Global Head of Sustainability and CSR at Apollo Tyres, champions circular economy models and promotes sustainable production practices within the company’s tyre manufacturing processes.

Shilpashree Muniswamappa, Director of ESG & Communications at Colgate-Palmolive, ensures that the company integrates environmental, social, and governance principles into its operations and products. Smitha Gopalkrishnan, Asia Sustainability Leader at 3M India, drives the company’s commitment to sustainable product development and green technologies that minimise environmental impact.

Saloni Saran Goel, Senior Director of ESG Value Creation & Commercialisation, Coca Cola, leads initiatives in water conservation and circular economy practices. Ruhana Zariwala, Global Head of Sustainability at Cipla, is focused on reducing the company’s carbon footprint while improving healthcare access through sustainable practices.

Sustainability Champions
Vaishali Surawar, CSO at Hindalco, drives key sustainability initiatives, focusing on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and advancing circular economy practices across the company.

Tejashree Joshi, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Godrej Enterprises, leads efforts in resource conservation, waste reduction, and renewable energy, ensuring sustainable practices are integrated throughout the company’s operations.

Making sustainability a core component of business strategy, these leaders prove that positive environmental impact and business success go hand in hand.