Karen Flanders

Sustainability, Wisdom Works

Karen’s career has revolved around transforming businesses, organizations, and communities into powerful agents of positive change. She was The Coca-Cola Company’s first Director of Sustainability, a role she led for eight years to pioneer the sustainability strategies, key platforms, and iconic, signature partnerships that contribute to the beverage giant’s brands and business still today. Prior to joining Coca-Cola, Karen lived and worked in Europe for twelve years, leading European and global advocacy campaigns for the conservation organization, World Wildlife Fund, and contributing to environmental education at UNESCO. She served as Senior Associate with the University of Cambridge for Sustainability Leadership, and helped steward The Prince’s Rainforest Project to engage corporate America in combatting climate change. Karen was chosen for the 2012 Top 10 Women in Sustainability by Technica, 2008 Who’s Who in America list, and 2007 Top Women in Business by Pink Magazine. She is energized every day by dancing, painting, and spending time with her kids.