Dr Janice Isabelle Lao

Dr. Janice Lao is an internationally multi-awarded environmental scientist and economist working with businesses to operate in a manner that creates holistic value for all. She has over 20 years experience working in the field of corporate sustainability, and in the past 10 years as head of sustainability for several publicly listed companies based in Asia, Europe, and the United States. 

Janice is currently VP- Regulatory, Sustainability & Governance for consumer goods company Helen of Troy. At 30, she developed the initial mathematical and economic modelling that was the basis for international aviation’s carbon-neutral growth strategy. She also originated and led some of the “first in the industry” sustainable financial deals, from green bonds to M&A. Her work has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the world’s most influential female sustainability leaders, Fortune Magazine and others, often as the only Asian, and one of the youngest, in their lists. 

Janice graduated from the University of Oxford as a British Chevening scholar and at Prescott College with a PhD in Sustainability Education. She also co-wrote a climate change book “Sparky & Benny’s Big Home Mystery” with her daughter, Esther. Her new children’s book “Penguins Can Fly, Right?”, co-authored with her son, Isaac.

She also originated and led some of the “first in the industry” sustainable financial deals. Forbes Magazine has recognized her work, as one of the world’s most influential sustainability leaders, along with Fortune Magazine and others, often as the only Asian and one of the youngest, on their lists. She graduated from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom under a full academic scholarship with the British government and is currently a final year PhD student at Prescott College researching governance practices in corporate sustainability.