Megan Hellstedt, Founder
I believe that businesses are stronger when their strategies are rooted in respect for humanity and respect for nature. I believe that we can restore nature without ruining people’s livelihoods. I believe that our economy is poised for change.
I launched NewEco Consulting in 2021 to help organizations chart a course to a more resilient future.
During 15 years designing and implementing sustainability strategy for Ahold Delhaize, a Fortune 500 international food retailer, I applied science and strategy to assess environmental and social impacts, report progress, and collaborate with a global network of colleagues to drive change. I have established reporting and performance management systems, using global frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals while tailoring the reporting to fit the company. I guided the company to long-term targets designed to nourish healthier people, reduce their climate footprint, eliminate waste, and proactively manage overall Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts. In recognition of the strategy and ESG reporting, the company was repeatedly recognized as a world sustainability leader by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and was among the first companies to issue a euro-denominated Sustainability Bond and other sustainability-linked financing.
I started my career in the field of land conservation. I applied GIS mapping and analysis to identify which properties were most critical to conserve for public access and ecosystem health. I managed conservation easement projects, navigating a wide range of needs to determine the best document to guide the long-term conservation of land for future generations. As in the following phases of my career, I used my knowledge of science, collaboration skills, and ability to synthesize to distill complex situations into clear outcomes.
Community Engagement
- Vice-chair of the Board, Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment
- Chair, Yarmouth Climate Action Taskforce
Education
- Masters Degree in Environmental Management, Yale School of the Environment
- Bachelors in Earth & Environmental Science, Wesleyan University