Ulrike Sapiro

Europe, Sustainability, Democracy | Managing Director Jacques Delors Friends of Europe Foundation & Friends of Europe | ex-Chief Sustainability Officer | ESG strategy & EU policy | Water, Climate, Circularity

Belgium

About

For over two decades, my primary purpose was to drive sustainability strategy through corporate leadership and social responsibility, best practices on relevant themes, driving common standards, informing regulation, and working with stakeholders to build partnerships for systemic change, and shaping and leading great teams. Today, the need for a more sustainable economy and an equitable society has never been greater, but the political context has changed fundamentally. Especially in Europe, the new world order requires an urgent re-think and forward-act to redefine our role, enable our economy and protect our citizens. It’s an honor and an adventure to be part of this effort as Managing Director of the new Jacques Delors Friends of Europe Foundation and Friends of Europe, an independent group of think tanks, to bring together our capabilities, build insight and trust through dialogue, and to create a greater impact together - in Europe and for Europe. My passion and expertise in sustainability, including topics like water stewardship and sustainable supply chains, circular economy, climate and all the social impacts that come with these, will stay with me and continue to inform our work.

Experience

  • Managing Director at Friends of Europe
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    Joined the newly founded Jacques Delors Friends of Europe Foundation and Friends of Europe as Managing Director to help shape an independent pan-European think tank, citizen engagement and advocacy group to reinvigorate European integration, strengthen our common purpose and rebuild trust in our shared future. The Foundation is bringing the three Jacques Delors institutes in Paris, Berlin and Brussels and Friends of Europe Brussels under one strategic roof, building on a strong legacy and complementary capabilities to create greater impact for a stronger Europe. Please reach out if you are interested to become a partner or member.

  • Chief Sustainability Officer at Henkel
    May 2021 - Jan 2026 · 4 yrs 9 mos

    Sustainability strategy and governance, ESG disclosure and reporting, business integration, employee engagement and training, external engagement.

  • Senior Director Sustainability, Water Stewardship & Sustainable Agriculture at The Coca-Cola Company
    Apr 2018 - May 2021 · 3 yrs 2 mos

    Developed global water security strategy, partnerships and programs on water stewardship. Set roadmap for sustainable agricultural ingredients sourcing with supply chain engagement and collective action.

  • The Coca-Cola Company (9 yrs 4 mos)
    • Director Sustainability, Europe
      Apr 2015 - Mar 2017 · 2 yrs

      Drove strategy, implementation programs and partnerships across relevant aspects of sustainability in Europe region

    • Director, Environment & Communities
      Nov 2013 - Apr 2015 · 1 yr 6 mos

      - Leading policy, strategy and programs for Environment and Community, including water, recycling, climate and agriculture as well as women empowerment and human rights. - Overseeing and driving communications approach, content development and external engagement on key sustainability issues

    • Environmental Sustainability Director
      Dec 2007 - Oct 2013 · 5 yrs 11 mos

      - Leading environmental sustainability policy, strategy and communications (Water, Packaging, Climate, Agriculture/Sourcing)

  • Thames Water, UK (5 yrs 6 mos)
    • External Affairs Manager & Head of Stakeholder Engagement
      2005 - 2007 · 2 yrs

      Leading team of Public Affairs and Community Connection Act as spokesperson; lead engagement with political and civil society organisations

    • European Affairs Manager
      Jul 2003 - Sep 2005 · 2 yrs 3 mos

      Set up European governmental affairs presence Lead European policy engagement on development and environmental issues

    • Attachee de Direction
      Aug 2001 - Jun 2003 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Manage company engagement to provide water & sanitation to under-served communities in southern Africa Establish stakeholder relationships on development and social issues in the context of the UN Millennium Summit