Dr. Stephan Schmidheiny is a Swiss entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author whose career spans more than four decades of business leadership and global sustainability advocacy.
Beginning in Swiss industry, Schmidheiny played a key role in two defining corporate transformations of the 1980s: helping revive the Swiss watch sector through his investment in SMH (later Swatch Group) alongside Nicolas Hayek, and serving as a driving force behind the BBC-ASEA merger that created ABB. He later expanded into Latin America, building GrupoNueva into an industrial holding with significant operations in forestry, construction materials, and manufacturing.
In 1990, he founded the Business Council for Sustainable Development, which evolved into the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). As Principal Advisor for Business and Industry to the 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, he introduced the concept of "eco-efficiency" and co-authored the international bestseller Changing Course, which helped establish the business case for sustainable development. He serves today as Honorary President of the WBCSD.
WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Since 2003
Launched the Business Council for Sustainable Development in 1990, later merging with other organizations to form the WBCSD.
Served as Principal Advisor for Business and Industry to the 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he coined the term "eco-efficiency" and co-authored the international bestseller Changing Course.
Transitioned to Honorary President in 2003, continuing to support the council's work in embedding sustainability into global business practice.
Created Viva Trust as an irrevocable structure to direct profits from Latin American industrial holdings toward lasting social and environmental impact.
The trust provides ongoing funding for Fundación Avina, Fundes, MarViva, and other initiatives advancing sustainable development, entrepreneurship support, and conservation across the region.
Joined the board of BBC Brown Boveri in 1981 and became a key figure in shaping the company's strategic direction.
Instrumental in the negotiations that led to the 1987 merger announcement with Sweden's ASEA, culminating in the creation of ABB in 1988—one of the largest cross-border industrial mergers of its era
Continued as a board member of the combined company through 1997, joining the Board Committee in 1995.
Partnered with Nicolas Hayek in 1985 to acquire a majority stake in SMH, providing critical capital at a time when the Swiss watch industry faced an existential crisis from Japanese competition.
Served on the board through the company's strategic realignment and restructuring, helping lay the foundation for its transformation into the global leader.
Co-founded MarViva to safeguard marine and coastal environments in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
The organization works with governments, communities, and industry to promote responsible management of ocean resources, combining conservation efforts with policy engagement and sustainable practices.
Established Fundación Avina to apply entrepreneurial methods to social and environmental challenges across Latin America.
The foundation identifies and supports emerging leaders working on sustainable development, fostering collaborative networks that address issues from environmental conservation to economic inclusion.
