Nestle Waters North America Announces Hire of New Sustainability Director

STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle Waters North America today announces Michael Washburn has joined the company as director of sustainability.

In his new role, Washburn will lead Nestle Waters' efforts to increase recycling rates in the United States; innovate in energy use and building design across its facilities; advocate for constructive water policies; and engage stakeholders around company sustainability efforts.

"Michael's background in forest stewardship, natural resource management and stakeholder engagement make him well-suited to lead sustainability commitments for Nestle Waters North America," said Kim Jeffery, president and CEO.

Washburn has spent more than 15 years working in the nonprofit sector and academia, with a focus on sustainable forestry, land conservation, green building and conservation leadership. Most recently, he held a senior position at The Wilderness Society, an organization focused on public-lands advocacy. 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.

"I'm eager to put my resource management and conservation experience to work for Nestle Waters," said Washburn. "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. As the leading bottled water company, Nestle Waters is well-positioned to move these issues in a thoughtful, credible way."

Washburn holds a Ph.D. in Forest Policy from Penn State University, and a B.S. in Environmental Studies and M.S. in Forest Resources Management from SUNY College in Syracuse. He was also an advisor to the USDA Forest Service on sustainability issues as a faculty member at Penn State University and the Yale School of Forestry. Washburn devotes significant time and energy to workplace giving and disability advocacy efforts as a board member of the Human and Civil Rights organizations of America and Child Aid International. He also serves as chair of the boards of both the Aging and Disabilities Charities of America and Adirondack Adaptive Adventures.

About Nestle Waters North America

Central to the leadership of Nestle Waters North America Inc. is its 35-year history and single-focus on producing bottled water products. The company's dedication to product quality, manufacturing expertise, efficient production, employee development and environmental stewardship, especially in the areas of water use, energy and packaging, has helped Nestle Waters become the number one bottled water company in the U.S. To reach success, the company follows its credo: Respect for each other, respect for the environment, and respect for the community. To learn more, visit www.nestlewatersnorthamerica.com.

SOURCE Nestle Waters North America