Joel Makower

A leading strategist on sustainable business, green marketing and clean technology, Joel Makower is an entrepreneur, speaker and award-winning writer.

Throughout his career that spans over 30 years, Makower has been considered an expert in the fields of corporate sustainability and clean technology. As the co-founder, chairman and executive editor of GreenBiz Group Inc., Makower collaborates with businesses around the world aligning their business strategies with key environmental objectives. As part of his key role in the organisation, Makower hosts the annual GreenBiz forum, alongside the industry-leading VERGE and Circularity conferences. He is also the principal author for the company’s State of Green Business report. An award-winning author, Makower’s books include his 1992 publication The E-Factor, well-known as one of the first publications written about corporate environmental and social responsibility. His most recent publication is his 2008 book Strategies for the Green Economy. As well as being a form columnist for a nationally syndicated newspaper, Makower has also co-authored multiple publications including the 2016 publication The New Grand Strategy: Restoring America’s Prosperity, Security and Sustainability in the 21st Century, alongside fellow authors Mark Mykleby and Patrick Doherty.

Now a popular keynote speaker for corporate events and business associations across the US, Makower is also frequently quoted by national media publications including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and USA Today. Some of Makower’s many accolades include the 2012 Hutchens Medal presented by the American Society for Quality. In 2014 Makower was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the International Institute of Sustainability Professionals and was dubbed by the Associated Press as The guru of green business practices. Alongside his career Makower also advises multiple startups and non-profit organisations including Unite Roots, supporting community projects to provide more opportunities for young people.