Biography
Marcela Manubens
NED, CEO and Professor
Global senior business executive with over 25 years of experience and demonstrated success in developing and leading sustainable business with an integrated triple bottom line approach. A world class leader on sustainability, social impact, human rights and climate justice with primary international business and financial expertise.
Currently, Principal of Roxbury Global LLC, Sustainable Business Advisory firm, independent Corporate Board Member at KONE Corporation, member of the Responsible Investment and Business Advisory Group at Sierra Global Management, member of the Advisory Board of the Geneva Center for Business and Human Rights – Geneva School of Economics and Management, faculty member at The Competent Board and Adjunct Professor at Glasgow Caledonian University (New York College campus).
Prior, joined Unilever in 2013 and led the creation of its social sustainability strategy and global goals resulting in the expansion of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP), incorporating Enhancing Livelihoods three pillars: fairness in the workplace, opportunities for women and inclusive business models. Most recently, led the creation of the strategy and global social goals 2030, building on the strong USLP foundation.
Created the human rights policy framework for the organization and the Responsible Sourcing Policy mainstreaming sustainability and human rights in one of the most complex and diverse supply chains in the industry with a progressive approach, touching millions of people, informing industry and certification initiatives. Led transparency efforts by publishing the first Unilever’s Human Rights report under the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights Reporting Framework promoting disclosure and influencing peer companies. Have driven the principle of “embedding” sustainability into the business formulation, working with brands and across the organization promoting innovation, responsible practices and accountability. Vast experience in stakeholder engagement and negotiation.
Prior to Unilever, led the vision, strategy and implementation of one of the first Global Human Rights and Corporate Responsibility programs in the fashion industry, including environmental stewardship and social impact, at PVH Corp in early 90s, and promoting a new school of thought for responsible and sustainable business.
Gave testimony as an expert witness before US Congress at the invitation of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, served in both industry and not-for-profit Boards such as the Fair Labor Association and chaired the Audit Committee, chaired the Global Social Compliance Programme at the Consumer Goods Forum, co-chaired the Council on Human Rights at the World Economic Forum and has represented business in various U.N. fora (Global Compact, UN Women and UN Business and Human Rights Forum) and the International Labour Organization. Former Member of the Advisory Group to UK Foreign Secretary and the Integrity Board of the food company Sir Kensington. An MBA on International Business and CPA worked at E&Y and in various financial roles including Controller and Financial Director at Continental Grain Company.
Former Professor of Business and Human Rights at Columbia University, New York and Macroeconomy at Universidad de Belgrano, Argentina; Lecturer at University of Bergen, Norway.
