Simona Rocchi

Simona Rocchi is a global pioneer in sustainable design and innovation, celebrated for her extensive contributions to integrating environmental and social values into strategic design. With a career spanning over 25 years, Simona has become one of the foremost thought leaders in leveraging design to create impactful, sustainable solutions. Her passion lies in using design as a catalyst for systemic change and shared value creation, making her an inspiring keynote speaker on sustainability and innovation.

Simona began her professional journey after earning a PhD in Cleaner Production, Cleaner Products, and Sustainability from Erasmus University Rotterdam, an MSc in Environmental Management and Policy from Lund University, and a degree in Architecture from Politecnico di Milano. She joined Philips Design in 1999 as Senior Director of Design for Sustainability and Innovation, where she was responsible for managing the global creative direction of sustainability-based initiatives. Simona led the development of design services for emerging markets, notably in BRIC-A countries, and spearheaded the “Philanthropy by Design” programme, which addressed complex global social challenges through creative, innovative solutions.

Her career is marked by several groundbreaking achievements, including the creation of the award-winning “Chulha” low-smoke stove, which revolutionised cooking conditions in rural communities by reducing indoor air pollution. Simona has also been recognised with international design awards for her innovative work, and her research contributions include co-authoring significant publications such as Collaborative Services: Social Innovation and Design for Sustainability. Her influence extends beyond corporate projects, as she has frequently been featured in prominent publications such as BusinessWeek, the Financial Times, and the Dutch Financial Times for her insights into sustainable business strategies.

As a keynote speaker, Simona has addressed prestigious events such as the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, and the UNEP Summit in Paris. Her expertise in sustainable innovation, social responsibility, and Base of the Pyramid (BoP) solutions captivates global audiences, empowering organisations and individuals to embrace sustainability as an opportunity for growth and impact. Simona’s ability to combine thought leadership with practical solutions makes her a compelling voice in the field of sustainability.