Jayant Kairam

Jay Kairam is a seasoned corporate affairs and public policy leader who has successfully driven innovative, inclusive and high-impact ESG campaigns and programmatic initiatives for some of the largest companies, environmental NGOs and governments across the US. He is currently Vice President, Society (ESG) for Diageo North America and leads the execution of the industry-leading Society 2030: Spirit of Progress agenda. He is responsible for delivery of corporate targets that promote responsibility, inclusion and diversity, and sustainability. Prior to Diageo, Jay led environmental policy and strategy for Walmart. He oversaw cross-functional teams to design the company’s public policy positions on various environmental challenges. Before transitioning to the private sector, Jay served as a Senior Advisor and Deputy Commissioner in the Bloomberg Administration, leading major reforms to the city’s privately-owned waste management operations and initiating policies to dramatically address air and noise pollution and accelerate composting. As lead for Environmental Defense Fund’s clean energy campaign in California, he oversaw strategic advocacy at the legislature and utility regulator to advance the state towards a clean energy future. He is based in Washington, DC and sits on the boards of the Anacostia Watershed Society and Fuse Corps. Jay is a graduate of Vassar College and the Harvard Kennedy School and is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer.