Pia Heidenmark Cook

Pia Heidenmark Cook is responsible for the success of global retail giant, IKEA’s sustainability strategy. As the Chief Sustainability Officer, Pia spearheaded a new direction for the brand, planning and implementing environmentally conscious solutions, with award-winning results. Pia’s influence extends beyond the Swedish company to challenging industry standards, and she is now highly sought-after to support corporate clients in adopting environmental practices, as a speaker.

Since 2017, Pia has been at the forefront of an eco future as the Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA, and is now a Senior Advisor for IKEA. Tasked with setting achievable sustainable development goals and fulfilling them across the company’s divisions, Pia’s professional goal is to ensure IKEA is people and planet positive by 2030. As part of her role, Pia has discovered more ethical practices surrounding cotton and wood sourcing, and has led IKEA to win the Circular Economy Award from the WEF and the Sustainable Leaders Award 2020. Previously, Pia was head of sustainability for IKEA retail and expansion.

Having dedicated her career to environmentally conscious business, Pia started out as an environmental consultant following her degree in environmental management and policy. For seven years she acted as the Vice President of Responsible Business for The Rezidor Hotel Group, where she set business goals that worked towards positive corporate social responsibility. Alongside this position, Pia was also the Chairman of the International Tourism Partnership and Co-Chair of The Retailers’ Environmental Action Programme, a testament to her outstanding position in the industry. In 2022, Pia was appointed as a Member of the Board of Directors for Bupa, acting on their Sustainability Committee, and in 2023 Pia became a Member of the Advisory Board of Decathlon.

Booked as a speaker for international engagements, Pia has spoken at numerous industry conferences and for corporate clients. With a focus on implementable techniques and achievable strategies, Pia draws on her extensive career to give bespoke advice on sustainable business goals. She has previously given a TED talk titled ‘How Ikea is Growing its Business Whilst Shrinking Emissions’, which received a universally positive response.

In November 2022 we sat down virtually with Pia Heidenmark Cook and discussed how you can learn from IKEA’s approach to sustainability. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Pia Heidenmark Cook.