Influence matters, especially in a field as technical and often misunderstood as Life Cycle Assessment. While practitioners crunch numbers behind the scenes, a growing group of leaders is bringing those insights to the surface. They’re shaping global narratives, challenging corporate strategies, and influencing policy at the highest levels.
From corporate sustainability officers and researchers to startup founders and climate diplomats, these individuals are translating carbon accounting into accessible action. They connect science with strategy and help cut through the noise of sustainability marketing to refocus attention on what’s measurable, transparent, and grounded in real data. For professionals working in supply chain, operations, compliance, or sustainability strategy, these influencers offer perspective backed by real-world application.
In this blog post, let’s discover 21 standout figures who are redefining the future of Life Cycle Assessment, and the reasons why you should be paying attention to each one.
Jan Poulsen
Jan Poulsen is a leading figure in Life Cycle Assessment, renowned for driving global sustainability through data-driven strategies. As Strategic Advisor at P6 Technologies, he plays a pivotal role in advancing LCA software solutions while accelerating the launch of next-generation LCA tools. His expertise in integrating LCA methodologies across industries ensures comprehensive environmental assessments, aligning with ISO 14040 standards. Poulsen’s commitment to enhancing sustainability practices makes him a key influencer in the sustainability landscape.
Paul Polman
Paul Polman is a leading advocate for sustainable business practices. Under his leadership, Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan aimed to decouple growth from environmental impact, enhancing social responsibility. Co-author of Net Positive, Polman urges companies to contribute more to society and the environment than they consume. He co-founded IMAGINE, promoting systems change aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Recognized as a “standout CEO” by the Financial Times, Polman continues to influence corporate sustainability globally.
Nico Rosberg
Nico Rosberg, 2016 Formula 1 World Champion, has become a leading voice in sustainable innovation. After retiring, he co-founded the GREENTECH FESTIVAL, a global platform spotlighting green technologies. Through Rosberg Ventures, he invests in eco-focused startups, including Lilium and Volocopter. As CEO of Rosberg X Racing in the Extreme E series, he promotes electric mobility and climate awareness. Rosberg’s dedication has earned him accolades like the European Culture Award for the Environment.
Roger Atkins
Roger Atkins, founder of Electric Vehicles Outlook, is a leading voice in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. With over 40 years in automotive and 15 years focused on EVs, he offers deep insights into the sector’s evolution. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice, his content reaches over 300,000 followers and garners more than a million views quarterly. Through his consultancy, podcast, and speaking engagements, Atkins champions sustainable mobility and the transition to electric, connected, autonomous, and shared transportation.
Katharine Hayhoe
Katharine Hayhoe is a distinguished atmospheric scientist and a leading voice in climate communication. As Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy and a professor at Texas Tech University, she bridges scientific research with actionable insights for communities and policymakers. Hayhoe has co-authored key U.S. National Climate Assessments and authored the influential book Saving Us. Her TED Talk, The Most Important Thing You Can Do to Fight Climate Change: Talk About It has garnered millions of views, underscoring her commitment to fostering climate dialogue. Recognized globally, she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and a United Nations Champion of the Earth.
Kate Brandt
Kate Brandt is Google’s Chief Sustainability Officer, leading the company’s global sustainability initiatives across operations, products, and supply chains. She collaborates with teams in data centers, real estate, and product development to integrate sustainability into Google’s core strategies. Before joining Google, Brandt served as the United States’ first Federal Chief Sustainability Officer, overseeing sustainability efforts across federal operations, including 360,000 buildings and 650,000 vehicles. Her leadership has been recognized with the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award and inclusion in Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list. Brandt’s work exemplifies the critical role of leadership in advancing sustainability within large organizations.
David Carlin
David Carlin is a leading voice in sustainable finance, currently serving as founder of D. A. Carlin and Company. He has guided over 100 financial institutions on climate scenarios, risk assessments, and ESG strategies. Carlin advises global initiatives like the Net-Zero Banking Alliance and TNFD, and contributes to Forbes on climate leadership. His work bridges finance and environmental stewardship, making him a pivotal figure in climate risk management.
Isabelle Kocher de Leyritz
Isabelle Kocher de Leyritz, Chairman and CEO of Blunomy, is a transformative leader in sustainable business innovation. Formerly CEO of ENGIE, she spearheaded a strategic shift toward renewable energy, halving the company’s CO₂ emissions and achieving a 50% total shareholder return. At Blunomy, she integrates life cycle thinking, financial engineering, and impact analysis to accelerate decarbonized, circular, and inclusive business models. Her leadership exemplifies how sustainability and profitability can coalesce to drive systemic change.
Joel Makower
Joel Makower stands as a pioneering voice in sustainable business and Life Cycle Assessment. As chairman and co-founder of Trellis Group, he has spent over 30 years guiding companies in aligning sustainability with innovation and profitability. Makower’s influential works, including Strategies for the Green Economy, have shaped corporate environmental strategies. Recognized by the Associated Press as “The guru of green business practices,” he continues to inspire through his writing, speaking engagements, and leadership in sustainability-focused events. His insights are invaluable for professionals navigating the evolving LCA landscape.
Sheri R. Hinish
Sheri R. Hinish, known as the “Supply Chain Queen,” is a globally recognized sustainability and supply chain strategist. As EY’s Global Consulting Sustainability Technology and Ecosystems Leader, she drives transformative, purpose-led innovation across industries. Sheri hosts the acclaimed podcast Supply Chain Revolution, where she champions circularity, ethical innovation, and inclusive leadership. Her accolades include LinkedIn Top Voice in Corporate Sustainability and a Top 100 Women in Supply Chain ranking. With a Harvard master’s in Sustainability and multiple certifications, Sheri is a trusted advisor guiding Fortune 500 companies toward sustainable, equitable futures.
Tom Szaky
Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle, is a pivotal figure in the Life Cycle Assessment landscape. His company specializes in recycling hard-to-recycle materials, offering solutions that have approximately 45% less negative climate impact than traditional disposal methods. In 2019, Szaky launched Loop, a global reuse platform partnering with major brands like Procter & Gamble and Nestlé to promote durable, reusable packaging. His innovative approach to waste management and commitment to sustainability make him a must-follow influencer in the LCA field.
Leyla Acaroglu
Leyla Acaroglu is a globally recognized sustainability provocateur and systems thinking expert. As the founder of The UnSchool and creator of the Disruptive Design Method, she empowers changemakers to tackle complex environmental challenges. Her work emphasizes the importance of life cycle thinking in designing circular systems that eliminate waste and regenerate natural systems. Acaroglu’s TED talk and publications, including the Circular Systems Design Handbook, inspire innovative approaches to sustainability. Named a UNEP Champion of the Earth, she continues to lead transformative initiatives worldwide.
Lucas Joppa
Lucas Joppa, Microsoft’s first Chief Environmental Officer, is a leading figure in integrating technology with environmental sustainability. With a Ph.D. in Ecology from Duke University and a background that includes Peace Corps service in Malawi, Joppa brings a unique perspective to environmental challenges. He founded Microsoft’s AI for Earth program, a $50 million initiative aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to address global environmental issues. Under his leadership, Microsoft has committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030 and removing all historical emissions by 2050. Joppa’s work exemplifies the fusion of ecological science and technological innovation, making him a pivotal influencer in the Life Cycle Assessment landscape.
Sasja Beslik
Sasja Beslik is a globally recognized sustainable finance expert and a leading voice in ESG transformation. A former war refugee from Bosnia, he has held influential roles at Nordea, J. Safra Sarasin, and now SDG Impact Japan, where he pioneers NextGen ESG investment strategies. Known for his hands-on approach, Beslik has conducted on-site investigations into environmental and social issues, challenging superficial ESG practices. His work underscores the financial sector’s pivotal role in driving systemic change towards sustainability. Beslik’s insights are essential for anyone committed to impactful, transparent ESG investing.
Christiana Figueres
Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, is a pivotal figure in global climate diplomacy, renowned for orchestrating the 2015 Paris Agreement. Her tenure exemplified a novel collaborative diplomacy, uniting diverse stakeholders to commit to limiting global warming. Post-UNFCCC, she co-founded Global Optimism, co-authored The Future We Choose, and co-hosts the Outrage + Optimism podcast. Figueres also serves on multiple boards, including ACCIONA and the Earthshot Prize, and leads initiatives like Mission 2020, advocating for urgent climate action. Her steadfast optimism continues to inspire transformative environmental leadership.
Andrew Winston
Andrew Winston is a globally recognized authority on sustainable business practices and Life Cycle Assessment. As the founder of Winston Eco-Strategies, he advises leading companies on integrating environmental strategy into their operations, including Unilever, PepsiCo, and HP. Winston co-authored the influential book Net Positive, which emphasizes the importance of businesses giving more to society and the environment than they take . His work has been featured in major publications such as Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review. Recognized for his impactful insights, Winston was ranked #3 on the Thinkers50 list of the most influential management thinkers.
Sophie X
Sophie X is a prominent figure in the field of Life Cycle Assessment, specializing in the environmental evaluation of emerging technologies. Her expertise encompasses assessing the sustainability of advanced materials and biorefinery systems at varying technology readiness levels. Sophie has contributed to significant research, including studies on the environmental impacts of plant-based food products and the application of LCA in industrial decarbonization strategies. Her work is instrumental in guiding the development of sustainable technologies and informing policy decisions.
Mina Hasman
Mina Hasman is a leading voice in sustainable architecture and Life Cycle Assessment. As the Sustainable Practice Director at SOM, she co-leads the firm’s Climate Action Group, developing innovative, design-driven approaches to reduce environmental impacts across complex international projects . Her work emphasizes integrating LCA into architectural practice to enhance sustainability outcomes. Additionally, Hasman serves as a Visiting Professor of Climate Change at the Manchester School of Architecture, where she lectures on climate literacy and sustainable design. Her leadership extends to her election to the RIBA Council in 2022, reflecting her influence in shaping global sustainability standards.
Susan Uthayakumar
Susan Uthayakumar is the Chief Sustainability and Energy Officer at Prologis, where she leads the company’s global sustainability strategy and energy initiatives. With a strong background in environmental leadership, she has been instrumental in integrating sustainability into Prologis’ operations. Her expertise in Life Cycle Assessment and energy management positions her as a key influencer in the field. Uthayakumar’s work emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in the logistics and real estate sectors, making her a valuable voice for professionals seeking to advance environmental stewardship in these industries.
Muzan Williams Ijeoma
Muzan Williams Ijeoma is a rising star in environmental engineering, specializing in Life Cycle Assessment and techno-economic evaluation of sustainable building materials. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Clemson University, his research focuses on comparing timber, steel, and concrete structures to identify low-carbon alternatives for the construction industry. His work contributes to the development of carbon-negative buildings and supports global sustainability goals. With a strong foundation in renewable energy and engineering, Ijeoma is a key influencer in the LCA landscape.
Joe Berti
Joe Berti, founder of P6 Technologies, is a trailblazer in Life Cycle Assessment innovation. With over 25 years in sustainability and supply chain software, he previously served as IBM’s Chief Product Officer for its $1.5B sustainability software unit. At P6, Berti focuses on AI-driven LCA solutions for biogas, transportation fuels, and renewable chemicals. As author of The Book on Software, his insights on LCA automation and enterprise-scale sustainability make him a must-follow influencer in the LCA landscape.
Influencing the future of Life Cycle Assessment
The Life Cycle Assessment space is evolving fast, and the thinkers transforming it are as diverse as the industries they touch.
From data scientists and architects to policymakers and startup founders, these influencers offer deep, real-world insight on how sustainability can be measured, communicated, and improved. Each brings a unique lens to environmental impact, whether it’s through systems thinking, circular design, or aligning global supply chains.
The common thread? A commitment to transparency, actionable data, and long-term thinking to push Life Cycle Assessment forward while bridging gaps between science, operations, and strategy.
This list is a starting point, not the finish line. The conversation is always growing, and we are right there with it. Follow P6 on LinkedIn to keep up with the people, practices, and progress shaping Life Cycle Assessment’s future.
