Success Story
Focus on Kristen King, former EnviM student.
Today, Kristen King is a sustainability professional with nearly a decade of experience in corporate sustainability. Her objective is to empower companies and institutions to pursue strategic and sustainable business operations. Kristen takes a holistic view, integrating business, environmental, and social components within organizations to develop impactful sustainability practices that connect these elements. Her educational experiences in the United States, China, and France have strengthened her ability to understand and engage with individuals from diverse cultural, political, and economic backgrounds, ensuring the successful implementation of programs across global organizations.
Could you tell us about your career journey since leaving EnvIM ?
My career journey has been shaped by my passion for sustainability and environmental management. While completing my thesis for EnvIM, I joined FMC Corporation, an American chemical company, as a Sustainability Analyst, where I conducted a scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and led the publication of the company’s annual sustainability report. In this role, I gained invaluable experience in applying the skills I developed in my studies to real-world sustainability issues.
Following my completion of EnvIM, I took on the newly created role of Corporate Social Responsibility Data Manager at Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), global retail and pharmaceutical wholesale business, where I was able to positively influence external Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings and rankings, e.g., successful engagement resulted in WBA being named to the Dow Jones North America Sustainability Index for the first time in 2020. I particularly enjoyed the cross-functional collaboration in setting science-based GHG emission reduction targets for WBA’s global operations, as it allowed me to combine my analytical skills with my passion for creating positive environmental outcomes.
Over time, I was offered the opportunity to return to manufacturing at Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), leading global supplier of metal beverage cans, as Director of Sustainability reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer. I was excited to leverage the additional skills I acquired while at WBA in developing and implementing projects around GHG emission reductions and circularity, e.g., launching an industry wide initiative focused on global aluminium can recycling, which resulted in the including having the opportunity to present and engage global leaders on circularity at COP28 in Dubai, UAE.
Most recently, in my current role as Director of Sustainability at James Hardie Building Products, the world’s #1 producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement and fiber gypsum building solutions, I am responsible for leading the North America ESG strategy development and deployment. As my career continues to evolve, I’ve learned the importance of continuous learning and staying adaptable. The sustainability field is complex and ever changing, and it’s crucial to remain up to date on emerging trends, technologies and regulations to make the greatest positive impact.
What skills that you acquired in EnvIM MS have helped you in your career ?
During my time in EnvIM MS program, I acquired a wide range of skills that have been crucial in addressing global environmental challenges throughout my career. I developed and strengthened my ability to formulate sustainability strategies and policies by studying environmental laws, regulations and international standards. I also learned to advocate for sustainable practices and integrate environmental considerations into business and governmental policies.
Through case studies and practical applications, I strengthened my project management skills including budgeting, scheduling and stakeholder engagement, essential for leading and contributing to sustainability projects. I improved my ability to effectively communicate complex environmental data to diverse audiences, from technical reports to public presentations, ensuring clarity and transparency in environmental decision-making.
Further, the program provided opportunities to work on interdisciplinary teams, enhancing my leadership, teamwork and conflict resolution skills, all of which are vital in the sustainability field. These skills, along with the hands-on experience and knowledge gained during my studies, have equipped me to contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable practices across a number of organizations and industries.
How would you describe your current role ?
As the Director of Sustainability, my role involves overseeing and leading the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives across James Hardie’s North America business. I work closely across business departments and various functions to integrate sustainable practices into our operations, ensuring that environmental impact is minimized while aligning with the company’s goals and values.
One of my key responsibilities is to set long-term sustainability goals and create strategies that promote environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, waste reduction and responsible resource management. I also oversee the measurement and reporting of sustainability metrics, ensuring we maintain transparency and accountability aligned with external frameworks.
Additionally, I collaborate with external stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, industry groups and local communities, to stay ahead of emerging trends and comply with environmental and reporting regulations. Educating and engaging employees about sustainability practices is another important aspect of my role, as creating a culture of sustainability within the organization is vital for success.
I also stay involved in innovation, exploring new technologies and practices that can further our sustainability efforts, whether that’s through adopting renewable energy solutions, enhancing supply chain sustainability, or creating circular economy initiatives. The role is both dynamic and rewarding, as it allows me to drive meaningful change while working toward a more sustainable future for the company and the planet.
Do you have advice for current EnvIM students ?
My advice for the current, and future, EnvIM students would be to embrace a multidisciplinary approach to learning and stay curious. The field of environmental sustainability is complex, and solutions require collaboration across various sectors and expertise. While the theoretical knowledge is essential, don’t overlook current environmental challenges. This field continues to evolve rapidly. Stay updated on global environmental / sustainability trends and real-world case studies.
This will make your academic work more relevant and impactful. Take advantage of networking opportunities, whether through professors, lecturers, or industry events. Building a strong professional network early on can open doors for internships, collaborations and job opportunities after graduation. One of the most important skills you can develop is the ability to communicate complex issues and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences. Whether this is through writing reports, presenting findings, or engaging stakeholders, strong and clear communication will be crucial in your future career.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, the program can be intense and it’s okay to reach out to professors, peers or alumni when you’re feeling overwhelmed. The collaborative nature of the program means you’re not alone, and everyone is willing to help you succeed. Lastly, stay passionate about sustainability and the impact you can have. Like any field it can have its challenges, but the work is also incredibly rewarding.
