Marga Hoek

Marga Hoek is one of the world’s leading voices on sustainable business, recognised for her expertise in disruptive sustainability, innovation and future-focused leadership. As the Founder and CEO of Business For Good, Marga advises organisations on how sustainability can drive growth, innovation and long-term commercial success. Regarded as one of the most authoritative speakers in the sustainability sector, she has addressed major global platforms, including the G20, G7 Climate Change Conference and COP23. Combining entrepreneurial leadership with board-level expertise, Marga is highly sought-after by organisations looking to navigate the transition towards a more sustainable and technology-driven future.

Marga began her executive career as CEO of Thunnissen in 1997 before becoming CEO of Gemeente Haarlemmermeer in 2003. Her ability to combine strategic business leadership with social and environmental impact led to her appointment as CEO of the Dutch Sustainable Business Association in 2009, where she became a leading advocate for sustainable corporate transformation. Since 2017, Marga has led Business For Good while also mentoring CEOs and senior executives across Europe and the United States through Chair Mentors International. Her expertise spans sustainability, innovation, business transformation and emerging technologies.

A globally recognised thought leader, Marga is a three-time golden award-winning author and a member of Thinkers50, where she was named one of the Top 30 Management Thinkers in the World. Her bestselling book, ‘The Trillion Dollar Shift’, earned international acclaim and a Golden Axiom Business Book Award, while her later publication, ‘Tech For Good’, further established her authority on the intersection of technology and sustainability. She is also a regular contributor to leading publications, including Forbes, Fortune and The Huffington Post.

Alongside her advisory work, Marga serves as a Global Voice for Imagine5, sharing inspiring stories that encourage positive climate action and sustainable innovation. Her unique combination of CEO experience, entrepreneurial leadership and visionary insight allows her to translate complex global challenges into practical business opportunities. As a keynote speaker, Marga delivers forward-thinking presentations that inspire organisations to embrace sustainability, innovation and responsible growth in an increasingly disruptive world.

Marga Hoek is hired as a speaker for her unrivalled expertise in disruptive sustainability, future business strategy and technology-driven innovation. Having addressed influential global platforms, including the G20, G7 Climate Change Conference and COP23, Marga delivers insightful, forward-thinking presentations tailored to modern business challenges. Audiences also value her TED Talk, ‘The SDGs, a Compass for Everyone, Anywhere’, which highlights how the Sustainable Development Goals can guide organisations, leaders and individuals towards meaningful impact and long-term success. As a bestselling and award-winning author, she provides practical strategies for organisations seeking growth through innovation, ESG leadership and responsible business transformation.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Marga Hoek’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Became a Global Voice for Imagine5, sharing positive climate and sustainability stories from businesses worldwide.
  • 2024 – Won the Golden Axiom Business Book Award for her book Tech For Good.
  • 2023 – Published ‘Tech For Good’, exploring the role of technology in creating sustainable global progress.
  • 2019 – Recognised by Thinkers50 as one of the 30 most influential management thinkers in the world.
  • 2019 – Received a Golden Axiom Business Book Award for ‘The Trillion Dollar Shift’.
  • 2018 – Published the internationally acclaimed bestseller ‘The Trillion Dollar Shift’.
  • 2017 – Founded and became CEO of Business For Good, advising organisations on sustainable transformation.
  • 2017 – Began mentoring CEOs and C-suite executives across Europe and the United States with Chair Mentors International.
  • 2009 – Appointed CEO of the Dutch Sustainable Business Association, leading sustainability initiatives across industries.
  • 2003 – Served as CEO of Gemeente Haarlemmermeer, overseeing strategic leadership and organisational development.