The board of directors of Ecolab Inc. has officially appointed Michel Doukeris, the Chief Executive Officer of AB InBev, to its board as an independent director. His appointment is set to take effect on February 20, 2025. This decision reflects Ecolab’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its leadership team with individuals who possess extensive industry experience, global business expertise, and a strong alignment with the company’s mission and strategic vision.
Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene, and energy technologies and services, provides innovative solutions to businesses in the food, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial sectors. The company’s efforts to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency for its customers make it a crucial player in promoting global resource conservation. With the addition of Michel Doukeris to its board, Ecolab aims to further enhance its strategic capabilities and deepen its expertise in consumer industries, sustainability, and corporate leadership.
“Michel’s experience as the CEO of a major global company and his deep knowledge of complex operations, world-class branding of innovative products, and winning in consumer industries make him a tremendous addition to our board of directors,” said Christophe Beck, Ecolab chairman and chief executive officer. “His proven ability to lead international teams to strong business results in both developed and developing markets, along with his commitment to elevating food safety and addressing water scarcity challenges, aligns perfectly with Ecolab’s mission to protect what’s vital. We look forward to leveraging his strategic insights and experience to further enhance our offerings and create incremental value for our customers, communities, and shareholders.”
The inclusion of Michel Doukeris on Ecolab’s board aligns with the company’s ongoing strategy to refresh and diversify its leadership team. Ecolab is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, improving its operational efficiency, and ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation in the water and hygiene industry. The appointment of executives like Doukeris reinforces the company’s commitment to bringing in expertise from a broad range of industries that contribute to its mission of sustainability and corporate responsibility.
“Ecolab’s board is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and delivering meaningful value for our shareholders. We continuously evaluate and refresh the board’s composition to ensure it reflects the full range of expertise and perspectives essential to support our mission and growth plans. We are thrilled to welcome Michel to the Ecolab board and are excited about the extensive executive and industry knowledge he brings,” said Dave MacLennan, lead independent director for the Ecolab board.
Board of Directors Ecolab Names Michel Doukeris to Board of Directors
Michel Doukeris is a seasoned leader with an extensive background in global business strategy, supply chain management, and sustainability initiatives. At AB InBev, he has led the world’s largest brewing company, focusing on sustainable growth, digital transformation, and consumer engagement. His leadership across multiple regions, including the United States, Asia, and South America, has provided him with a unique perspective on global business challenges, operational efficiencies, and sustainability trends. Doukeris has played a significant role in shaping AB InBev’s environmental strategies, emphasizing water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction—an expertise that will be particularly valuable to Ecolab’s ongoing sustainability efforts.
“It’s an honor to join the board of Ecolab, a company that is dedicated to delivering for its shareholders while making a positive impact for its customers and communities. I look forward to bringing my global experience to bear as I work with my fellow board members to help guide Ecolab’s strategy and advance the company’s growth,” said Michel Doukeris.
Ecolab has been a leader in sustainability and water conservation for decades, working with businesses around the world to implement effective water management and hygiene solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation has led to advancements in smart water technology, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. The addition of Doukeris to the board signifies Ecolab’s continued focus on expanding its expertise in corporate leadership, sustainability, and consumer engagement.
Mr. Doukeris, age 51, has had a distinguished career in the beverage industry and is widely recognized for his ability to drive business growth and implement transformative strategies. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of AB InBev since 2021, overseeing the company’s global operations and its mission to create a future with more cheers. Under his leadership, AB InBev has expanded its digital reach, optimized its supply chain, and introduced sustainable brewing initiatives that align with evolving consumer expectations.
Prior to becoming CEO, Doukeris held several senior leadership roles at AB InBev, including President of the company’s North American operations, President of the Asia Pacific region, and Global Chief Sales Officer. His experience leading teams across different continents has provided him with deep insights into navigating market complexities, understanding consumer behavior, and optimizing business operations in both developed and emerging economies.
Doukeris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil and a Master’s Degree in Marketing from Fundação Getulio Vargas. Additionally, he has completed post-graduate programs in Marketing and Marketing Strategy at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. His strong academic background, combined with his real-world leadership experience, makes him a valuable addition to Ecolab’s board.
Ecolab’s board of directors consists of industry leaders from diverse sectors, ensuring that the company benefits from a broad range of expertise and perspectives. By welcoming Doukeris, Ecolab is further strengthening its leadership team at a time when the importance of sustainable business practices and responsible corporate stewardship is at an all-time high. As businesses worldwide face increasing challenges related to water scarcity, energy consumption, and environmental impact, Ecolab remains committed to providing innovative solutions that drive both economic and environmental benefits.
Looking ahead, Doukeris’ appointment to the Ecolab board is expected to bring new strategic insights that will support the company’s long-term growth. His expertise in leading a multinational corporation, his focus on sustainability initiatives, and his ability to foster innovation in consumer-driven industries will help Ecolab continue its trajectory as a global leader in water and hygiene solutions.
As Ecolab continues to expand its impact in the industrial and consumer sectors, the company remains focused on its mission to help customers optimize water usage, improve food safety, and enhance operational efficiencies. The addition of Michel Doukeris to the board is a testament to Ecolab’s commitment to leadership excellence and its dedication to creating a healthier and more sustainable future for businesses and communities worldwide.
