The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs will host a Directors' Lunch with Beth Keck, Director of Sustainability at Walmart, in the Belfer Center Library (L369).
Since 2005, Walmart, the world's number one revenue generating company and biggest private employer with over 2 million employees, has been committed to achieving three ambitious sustainability goals: to be supplied 100% by renewable energy; to create zero waste; and to sell products that sustain people and the environment. In her role as Director of Sustainability, Beth Keck has led the sustainability strategies and initiatives in Walmart's 15 international markets, including a comprehensive global commitment to sustainable agriculture that is now being implemented in every market. Under Keck's supervision, Walmart has adopted several new commitments and is on track to meet almost all its goals by their respective timelines. For example, in February 2011, Walmart announced a goal to eliminate 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally from the life cycle of the products it sells by 2015.
Ms. Keck combines her leadership in sustainability with expertise in business relations with Asia having served in China as the FAA Senior Representative in China (1996-2001) and later as Vice President of Boeing's Asia Pacific Business Development, Air Traffic Management (2002-2004). During her eight years in China, Keck was responsible for helping improve the country's aviation safety system and opening its air traffic system to international flights. In 2008, she co-led "Sustainability Summit - Beijing 2008," where Walmart launched its Responsible Sourcing Initiative, enhancing environmental, social and quality standards of the company's global supply chain, including major initiatives in China.
Ms. Keck is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, the Johns Hopkins University - Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Asia Society Center on US-China Relations Advisory Board, National Committee on US-China Relations, the Arkansas World Trade Center Board of Advisors, and the Bentonville Noon Rotary Club where she and her husband were named 2008-2009 Rotarians of the Year.
RSVP REQUIRED! http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/events/keck.html
As space is limited for this event, RSVPs will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Belfer Center Directors' Lunches are strictly off-the-record. By indicating your desire to attend the Lunch, you agree that you will comply with the Belfer Center's strict policy against recording or disclosing the contents of the lunch. Your access is conditioned on your compliance with these restrictions. Should you violate these rules, the Center will pursue all available legal options and you will be excluded from all future events.
