TOP 250 WOMEN

Title: Chief Sustainability Officer Company: Microsoft Industry: Technology

Melanie Nakagawa leads one of the most ambitious sustainability agendas in the technology sector, guiding Microsoft towards carbon negativity by 2030, the removal of all historical emissions by 2050, zero waste and water positivity across water-stressed basins. Her career trajectory is extraordinary: from climate policy and international law to service as Special Assistant to

President Biden and Senior Director for Climate and Energy on the US National Security Council, before leading climate technology investment at Princeville Capital. At Microsoft, she oversees the company’ s climate strategy, its multibillion-dollar Climate Innovation Fund, and the development of AI-enabled tools that empower customers to decarbonise and adapt to climate impacts. Recognised for transparent communication about both progress and setbacks, Melanie champions just, innovation-led decarbonisation and coalition-building across business, government and civil society, positioning Microsoft as a genuine catalyst for global climate solutions.

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