Nestlé’s North American bottled water operation has hired Michael Washburn as director of sustainability.

In his new role, Washburn will lead Nestlé Waters’ efforts to increase recycling rates in the United States, innovate in energy use and building design and advocate for constructive water policies.

Nestlé Waters sells 15 brands of bottled water, including Perrier, Deer Park and Poland Spring.

Washburn recently held a senior position at The Wilderness Society, a public lands advocacy organization. He also served as vice president of brand management for the Forest Stewardship Council, where he advanced the adoption of independent forest-certification and product labeling programs.

Washburn spent over 15 years working in conservation roles at non-profits and universities, with a focus on sustainable forestry and land conservation. He holds a Ph.D. in forest policy from Penn State University.

“I’m eager to put my resource management and conservation experience to work for Nestlé Waters,” Washburn said. “I feel strongly that bottled water brings value to society, and I am looking forward to continued engagement with a wide range of stakeholders around water advocacy, energy use, waste and recycling approaches, such as Extended Producer Responsibility.”

Also on the HR front, Dell’s executive director of sustainable business, Mark Newton, is leaving the company after eight years.

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(Source: www.environmentalleader.com )