Virginie Helias, who has led sustainability efforts at consumer brands giant Procter & Gamble (P&G) for 15 years, including serving as the company’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, announced that she will step down from her role at the end of June.
P&G’s top sustainability role will be taken over by Michele Baeten, who currently serves at the company as Vice President – Integrated Sustainable Growth.
Helias steps down from her role after more than 38 years at P&G. She has led sustainability at the company since her appointment by the company as Global Sustainability Brand Director in 2012, and was subsequently promoted to Vice President, Global Sustainability in 2016, and named to P&G’s newly created Chief Sustainability Officer position in 2019.
In a post announcing her decision to step down, Helias said:
“Some of my friends have chosen to retire in search of freedom, fulfillment, and fun. Those aren’t my reasons. I’ve already experienced all 3 throughout this journey, especially during the last 15 years leading Sustainability for the company.”
Helias’ successor, Baeten, joined P&G from Estee Lauder in 2006, and has served in sustainability-focused roles since 2020.
Helias added:
“I’ve worked closely with Michele for the past six years and have seen firsthand her ability to turn complex sustainability challenges into strong business strategy, build powerful collaboration, and lead with clarity.”
