Jim Andrew: Pioneering Sustainability as CSO of PepsiCo
Jim Andrew, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo, has been named Number One in Sustainability Magazine's Top 250 Leaders in Sustainability 2025. This recognition underscores Jim's pivotal role in driving PepsiCo's sustainability agenda and his significant impact on global sustainability.
A career defined by innovation and strategy
Jim's journey to becoming a sustainability leader is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences across various industries.
With more than 35 years of experience, he has consistently demonstrated his expertise in corporate strategy and value creation.
Jim's career began at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) where he spent 25 years, ultimately becoming a senior partner and establishing the firm's Innovation practice. His tenure at BCG was followed by executive leadership positions at Royal Philips and Sears Holding Corporation, where he honed his skills in strategy and innovation.
Jim joined PepsiCo in 2016, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on sustainability.
His academic background, including an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Illinois, provided a solid foundation for his strategic approach to sustainability.
Transforming sustainability at PepsiCo
Since taking on the role of Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo in 2020, Jim has been instrumental in reshaping the company's approach to sustainability.
He leads PepsiCo's holistic transformation agenda, pep+, which places sustainability at the core of the company's operations. Under his leadership, PepsiCo has made important steps in reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices across its value chain.
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Jim's influence is evident in PepsiCo's recent achievements, including a 33% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2015, with a remarkable 13% reduction in 2022 alone. He has championed initiatives such as the 'Sustainable Operations from the Start' programme, ensuring that new facilities incorporate advanced energy efficiency standards and renewable energy from inception.
Jim has also been pivotal in expanding PepsiCo's regenerative agriculture footprint, which increased by 100% in 2023, reaching 1.8 million acres globally. This initiative not only addresses climate change but also enhances soil health and agricultural ecosystem stability.
Jim’s vision for a sustainable future
Jim’s vision for the future of sustainability extends beyond PepsiCo's operations.
He emphasises the need for systemic change and collaborative action across sectors to address complex global challenges and advocates for strong governmental policies that can expedite infrastructure development and provide incentives for sustainable investments.
His forward-thinking approach is exemplified by PepsiCo's involvement in initiatives like the Clean Energy Buyers Alliance (CEBA), which works to increase access to renewable energy globally. Jim's vision also encompasses the transformation of supply chains, manufacturing operations, and packaging design to create a more circular and sustainable economy.
As PepsiCo's sustainability leader, Jim continues to push for innovation and collaboration. He recognises that true transformation requires a comprehensive overhaul of entire operating models, from logistics infrastructure to energy supply.
His leadership is not only accelerating PepsiCo's sustainable transformation but also setting industry benchmarks and inspiring other corporations to take bold action on sustainability.
Jim's recognition as the top leader in sustainability is a testament to his transformative impact at PepsiCo and his broader influence on corporate sustainability practices.
As he continues to drive PepsiCo's sustainability agenda forward, Jim's vision and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future for the food and beverage industry and beyond.
To view the Top 250 Sustainability Leaders list in full, click here.
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