Peter Bakker

Peter Bakker is a business leader who serves as president and CEO of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The organization is a global, CEO-led community of more than 240 sustainable businesses working collectively to accelerate system transformations for a net zero, nature-positive, and equitable future. Its member companies span major economies and represent a combined revenue of more than $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees, positioning the council as a leading force in aligning global business with sustainable development.

Bakker began his career at PTT Post in the Netherlands before joining TNT N.V., where he served as chief financial officer and later as CEO. During his tenure, TNT advanced corporate responsibility through a partnership with the UN World Food Programme and set ambitious carbon dioxide reduction targets with its Planet Me initiative, achieving top rankings in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Bakker also led the demerger of TNT N.V. into TNT Express N.V. and PostNL N.V. before moving to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

In addition to his corporate roles, Bakker has contributed to humanitarian efforts. He was appointed chairman of War Child Holland, focusing on eliminating child soldiers, and served as global ambassador against hunger for the UN World Food Programme. He was also appointed by the United Nations secretary-general to serve on the advisory committee for the Food Systems Summit. These roles underscore his commitment to the intersection of business and global challenges.

Bakker's work has been recognized internationally. TIME Magazine named him one of the Top 100 Climate Leaders in Business. He is a recipient of the Clinton Global Citizen Award, the Sustainability Leadership Award, and the Prix Voltaire International. He also received the royal order of officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau for his commitment to engaging business in global sustainability issues. Bakker holds a master's degree in economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Inholland University of Applied Sciences.

Bakker serves on several advisory boards, including as co-chair of the Business Commission to Tackle Inequality, board member of GenZero, advisory board member for integrity and sustainability at Mercedes-Benz Group, and high-level advisory board member for the United Nations Food Systems Summit. As a keynote speaker, he addresses topics in world affairs, business leadership, innovation, environmental policy, and sustainability, drawing on experience in C-suite leadership and global policy engagement.