Mike Barry

Former Director of Sustainable Business for Marks & Spencer & Former Co-Chair of the Sustainability Steering Group for The Consumer Goods Forum

  • Former Head of Sustainable Business for Marks & Spencer
  • Former Board Member & Chair of the World Environment Center
  • Winner of the Sustainable Business Innovator of the Year award from the Guardian Group
  • Former Programme Committee Member  for WWF
  • Strategic Advisor for Clim8 Invest
  • Business Fellow of the Smith Centre of Oxford University
  • Ethical Corporation Honoree 2019

Mike Barry is a leading advocate for sustainability, famed as the former Director of Sustainable Business for Marks and Spencer. Now the Director of Mikebarryeco, Mike is focussing on sustainable action leadership, transforming businesses, growing start-ups and scaling change whilst keeping sustainability at the heart of his motivations. Also a Strategic Advisor for Clim8 Invest, Mike is determined to create a more balanced society and supportive economy. Now booked as a sustainability speaker, Mike shares his passions for sustainability and the environment and creating a better society for all.

A leading commentator on sustainable business, Mike’s first major environmental role saw him act as a Programme Committee Member of the WWF. He then began his almost 15-year long career with Marks & Spencer, working initially as the Head of Sustainable Business for Marks & Spencer. During his time with Marks & Spencer, Mike also shared his time on the BITC Environment Leadership Team for the BITC Mayday Network and as a Board Member and Chair of the World Environment Center. In 2011, Mike was recognised for his passions for sustainable business, named the Sustainable Business Innovator of the Year by the Guardian Group. In 2013, Mike also acted as the Co-Chair of the Sustainability Steering Group for The Consumer Goods Forum.

As the Director of Sustainable Business for Marks and Spencer, Mike was responsible for developing and implementing the ground-breaking sustainability programme titled Plan A. In the space of ten years, Mike’s Plan A had delivered a revolutionary £750m of business benefits and won an incredible 230 awards, encompassing concepts such as zero waste to landfill and 100% renewable electricity. It also helped establish carbon neutrality across M&S warehouses, offices and stores, demonstrating Mike’s prowess in achieving sustainable business. Since then, Mike has started his own company, dedicated to helping society deliver sustainable change. Most recently, Mike became an Advisor on Sustainable Business for Tata Consultancy Services and established a Partnership with Kite Insight’s Climate School.

Also an Advisor for CoGo, a Board Trustee for A Blueprint for Better Business and a Strategic Advisor for Clim8 Invest, Mike is also hired as a speaker for corporate events to share his expertise on sustainable business. Sharing anecdotes from his time at Marks & Spencer, Mike inspires sustainable action by providing advice on policy frameworks, governance and market opportunities. As a sustainability consultant, Mike helps clients reach their potential by developing sustainability strategies and helping them to integrate them in day to day business. Also a Senior Associate of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership, book Mike Barry today for an informed speech on sustainable business.

Official Testimonials

Mike Barry is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike for speaking at the Go Green Conference earlier this month. We had great feedback from the delegates online and in person about the level of content that was delivered on the day. We appreciate Mike taking time out of his busy schedule to highlight the benefits of sustainability, to businesses across the North. We hope to welcome him back to one of the events we host in the future.”

Helen, Events Executive, Department for Business & Trade

To enquire about Mike Barry for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@sustainability-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0207 1010 553.