Bob Langert

Bob Langert is a leader in corporate sustainability, with more than three decades at McDonald's shaping the company's approach to environmental and social responsibility. Langert joined McDonald's in the early 1980s, initially holding management positions in logistics, packaging, and purchasing. In the 1990s, he assumed responsibilities for the environment, energy management, animal welfare, and Ronald McDonald Children's Charities grants. He later became McDonald's first vice president to lead sustainability. During his tenure, Langert contributed to initiatives involving sustainable fish, coffee, palm oil, beef, packaging, animal welfare, Amazon soy, measurement, and accountability.

Langert played a key role in establishing a partnership between McDonald's and the Environmental Defense Fund, which resulted in the elimination of more than 300 million pounds of packaging, the recycling of 1 million tons of corrugated boxes, and a 30 percent reduction in waste over a decade, all without additional company costs. He also led the development of McDonald's Sustainability Vision and Framework, focusing on environmental commitments, supply chain sustainability, and balanced menu choices. Langert collaborated with organizations such as Conservation International, the Environmental Defense Fund, the Environmental Protection Agency, Greenpeace, PETA, and the World Wildlife Fund.

Langert is the author of "The Battle to Do Good: Inside McDonald's Sustainability Journey," which draws on his experience leading McDonald's sustainability and corporate responsibility efforts. The book addresses societal issues such as obesity, waste and packaging, deforestation in the Amazon, and animal well-being, offering insights and guidance on managing societal issues within business. Langert was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential in Business Ethics by Ethisphere.

Following his retirement from McDonald's, Langert joined GreenBiz Group, writing the column "The Inside View" and supporting the GreenBiz Executive Network. He has advised organizations on sustainability strategies, including the National Pork Council, Big Dutchman, Cadbury, Shell, and Corteva. Langert has spoken at events for organizations such as the Aspen Institute, the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, the National Research Council, the State of Green Business Forum, the University of Michigan, the University of Oregon, and Yale University. His work has been featured in ABC News, AdAge, Christian Science Monitor, Crain's Chicago Business, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Langert's career demonstrates the impact of business-driven sustainability and the potential for global brands to drive meaningful change.