Stephan Schmidheiny

Dr. Stephan Schmidheiny is a renowned Swiss entrepreneur, sustainability pioneer, and philanthropist who has shaped modern business practices through his innovative approach to corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. Born in 1947 in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Schmidheiny assumed leadership of the Swiss Eternit Group in 1976 at age 28, immediately demonstrating visionary leadership by launching the "New Technology" innovation program to develop asbestos-free cement products. He publicly announced his company's exit from asbestos processing in 1981, years ahead of government regulations and asbestos bans. His entrepreneurial success extends across multiple industries, playing a crucial role in saving the Swiss watch industry through his involvement with SMH (later Swatch Group) alongside Nicolas Hayek. As a board member of BBC Brown Boveri, he was instrumental in the groundbreaking merger with Sweden's Asea to create ABB, one of history's most successful industrial mergers. Schmidheiny founded the concept of modern corporate sustainability when he established the Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) in 1990, which evolved into the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), now representing over 200 leading companies globally. As Principal Advisor for Business and Industry to the 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, he coined the term "eco-efficiency" and authored the international bestseller "Changing Course." His influence extends to international policy through his role as Co-Chair of the OECD High Level Advisory Group on the Environment and various advisory positions with organizations including the Peterson Institute for International Economics and the World Resources Institute. Schmidheiny pioneered "entrepreneurial philanthropy," applying business principles to social impact through his foundations including Avina Stiftung, Fundación Avina, Fundes, and MarViva, which focus on sustainable development. The Viva Trust, established in 2003, channels profits from his Latin American industrial holdings into long-term philanthropic initiatives in Latin America. Following his brother Alexander's death in 1992, Schmidheiny transformed the inherited art collection into the professionally managed Daros Collection, featuring works by Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, and Cy Twombly. His support for London's Tate Modern and ongoing partnership with Switzerland's Fondation Beyeler demonstrate his commitment to making art accessible to the public. Schmidheiny has received numerous honors including honorary doctorates from Yale University, Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, and INCAE Business School, while the Zayed International Prize for the Environment and Keystone Leadership Award recognize his contributions to sustainable development. After stepping down from operational roles in 2003, Schmidheiny leads a private life, focusing on his philanthropic mission to create a more sustainable future.