Dame Ellen MacArthur is a record-breaking sailor, a leading environmental advocate, and a thought leader on the circular economy. She is best known for her solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005, a feat that made her the fastest person to sail solo around the world. Her journey provided her with a unique perspective on the finite nature of resources and the interconnectedness of global systems, which became the catalyst for her subsequent career in environmental advocacy.
Following her sailing career, MacArthur founded the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a global non-profit organization that has become a leading authority on the circular economy. The foundation works with businesses, policymakers, and academia to accelerate the transition to a regenerative economic model, one that designs out waste and pollution, keeps products and materials in use, and regenerates natural systems. The foundation’s work has been instrumental in shifting the global conversation from a linear “take-make-dispose” model to a more sustainable and resilient one.
MacArthur has been a keynote speaker at major global events, including the World Economic Forum in Davos. She has advised leaders at some of the world's largest companies and governments on the principles of the circular economy and its potential to drive innovation and create new business opportunities. In recognition of her contributions, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
As a speaker, Dame Ellen MacArthur delivers a powerful and inspiring message on the urgent need for a new economic model. She provides audiences with a clear and compelling vision for the future of business and a practical framework for transitioning to a circular economy. Her talks are essential for leaders, innovators, and policymakers who want to understand the principles of sustainable development, innovation, and the importance of a more resilient and regenerative economic model.
