John Elkington

John Elkington Speaker Biography

Known as “The Godfather of Sustainability”

John Elkington is often cited as the best sustainability keynote speaker in the world. With decades of thought leadership behind him, he has reshaped how global corporations approach environmental, social, and governance challenges. A pioneering force in sustainable capitalism and corporate responsibility, Elkington blends deep intellectual insight with a flair for provocation. He’s not just a speaker—he’s a movement. Through bestselling books, international advisory roles, and groundbreaking concepts like the “Triple Bottom Line,” he has become one of the most sought-after sustainability voices of our time. Although he moves comfortably among world leaders and CEOs, he remains committed to systemic change that uplifts both people and planet. Elkington’s work continues to challenge orthodox thinking, ushering in a new era of regenerative business strategy for the 21st century.

Accolades

Elkington’s influence is both wide-ranging and well-recognized. In 2008, The Evening Standard named him among London’s “1000 Most Influential People,” labeling him “a true green business guru.” The following year, a global CSR International poll ranked him fourth among the Top 100 CSR Leaders—right behind Al Gore, Barack Obama, and Muhammad Yunus. While many thought leaders fade over time, Elkington continues to shape the global sustainability agenda. In fact, his early advocacy for corporate responsibility helped define today’s ESG frameworks. Furthermore, his inclusion on such high-profile lists reflects not only his past impact but also his continued relevance. Over the years, he has become a reliable compass for organizations navigating the complexities of climate risk, supply chain ethics, and stakeholder capitalism. Recognition like this affirms his status as a legend in both the business and sustainability worlds.

Books

John Elkington has written or co-authored 20 books—each one a cornerstone in the evolving conversation on sustainability. Perhaps most famously, Cannibals with Forks introduced the influential “Triple Bottom Line” framework: People, Planet, Profit. This concept revolutionized how businesses measure value and purpose. In Green Swans: The Coming Boom in Regenerative Capitalism, Elkington pushes further. There, he explores how today’s radical outliers could become tomorrow’s agents of transformational change. His latest work, Tickling Sharks, offers a unique hybrid: part memoir, part manifesto. The book chronicles 75 years of personal journey and 50 years of the sustainability movement—culminating in a forecast for the 15 years ahead. Notably, he predicts these next years will bring more change than the past half-century combined. These publications are essential reading for anyone who hopes to understand or lead in the age of regeneration.

Consultant

As a consultant and strategic advisor, Elkington remains deeply embedded in the sustainability ecosystem. He is the Founding Partner and “Chief Pollinator” of Volans, a consultancy that sits at the crossroads of sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Not content to merely advise from the sidelines, he works directly with forward-thinking companies to catalyze long-term change. Moreover, his role as a columnist and blogger for global platforms keeps him in constant dialogue with policymakers, academics, and corporate decision-makers. While some speakers only offer inspiration, Elkington delivers actionable insight. His consultancy’s mission is not just to track industry change—but to accelerate it. As businesses look toward regenerative models, Elkington provides the language, logic, and leadership to help them get there. It’s no surprise that clients consistently refer to him as the best sustainability keynote speaker for forward-focused organizations.

Advisory Boards

Elkington’s influence extends to some of the most respected institutions in sustainability and corporate governance. He serves on advisory boards for 2degrees, EcoVadis, Gaia Energy, and the Global Reporting Initiative, among others. Additionally, he contributes to the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and Cleantech Innovation Council, helping shape metrics that drive investor and stakeholder decisions. His work on boards such as Physic Ventures and Greenopolis demonstrates his commitment to both innovation and impact. At the policy level, he chairs the Aflatoun Impact and Policy Analysis Steering Group. Simultaneously, he nurtures the next generation of leaders as a Visiting Professor at Cranfield School of Management’s Doughty Centre for Corporate Responsibility. These roles underscore Elkington’s capacity to bridge theory and practice—an essential trait for anyone aspiring to global relevance in sustainable business.

Sustainability Keynote Speaker

Elkington’s lectures attract CEOs, entrepreneurs, and policymakers eager to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. His presentations span more than mere compliance; instead, they invite audiences to think in terms of resilience and regeneration. Although his talks are rooted in rigorous analysis, they are also infused with optimism and imagination. Business leaders who book him as a sustainability keynote speaker often walk away rethinking their long-term strategies. Moreover, his ability to connect macro trends with on-the-ground realities makes his message not only compelling but also immediately useful. Whether addressing Fortune 500 executives or next-gen founders, Elkington adapts his message to spark momentum and vision. Without question, he remains one of the best sustainability keynote speaker options for any organization preparing to lead in an age of ecological and social transformation.