Incremental Excellence Award

An annual award for companies making real, measurable progress towards becoming better corporate citizens.

Most ESG recognition goes to companies that are already there. The Incremental Excellence Award goes to the ones still climbing.

The IEA recognises companies making measurable progress towards becoming better corporate citizens – towards society, employees, the environment and shareholders alike. They need not have arrived. What matters is the distance travelled, because that is where the real impact lies.

The IEA grew out of the Corporate Excellence Award, which has run since 2008. Where the CEA asks how strong a company is today, the IEA asks how far it has come – the same rigour applied to a different question. Together they cover both halves of what makes a company worth paying attention to: the standard it holds, and the direction it is moving.

Our Selection Process

Hérens Quality Asset Management carries out the analysis. The final selection is made together with an independent panel of industry experts.

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Dr. Katharine Wirsching

Dr. Wirsching is an Assistant Professor at the Chair of Management and Organization at the University of Augsburg. Her research covers entrepreneurial ecosystems, corporate governance and innovation in family firms, female and immigrant entrepreneurship, and public policy.

She is also a senior research fellow at the Institute for Development Strategies at Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Dr. Bernd Villhauer, Managing Director – Weltethos-Instituts

Dr. Villhauer has been Managing Director of the Global Ethic Institute since 2015. He studied philosophy, ancient history and art history at the universities of Freiburg, Jena and Hull, and worked in publishing and media before moving into his current role, most recently as head of editing at the Narr Francke Attempto publishing group.

He heads the Lab for Good Leadership at the European School of Governance and the research group on Finance and Economics at the Global Ethic Institute, and co-founded the Institut für Praxis der Philosophie in Darmstadt. His work focuses on sustainable finance, monetary theory and financial ethics, and he is the author of several books on the subject.

Alberto Cominetti, partner Zwei Wealth and board member of the Synapsis Foundation

Alberto Cominetti is a partner at ZWEI Wealth, where he advises families, foundations and pension plans on ESG, and a partner at Consulta, advising SMEs on ESG and sustainability. He has worked in wealth management for 25 years, in both leadership and consulting roles across domestic and international markets.

His approach is grounded in the ESG principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with ethics and social responsibility at its centre. He holds a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Zurich and serves on the board of the Synapsis Foundation, which funds research into Alzheimer’s and related neurodegenerative diseases.

Gretchen Selcke, Ph.D

Dr. Selcke is assistant director of the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies at Vanderbilt University, where she also serves as director of undergraduate and graduate studies. As previous director of the Latino and Latina Studies Program, she helped lead the merger that created the current centre.

Her research covers Latinx literature and culture, Afro Hispanic literature and Latinx entrepreneurship, and she is currently completing a book on contemporary Latinx narratives. She is President of the Latino Studies Section of the Latin American Studies Association and serves on several nonprofit boards in Nashville.

Dr. Valbona Dhjaku

Dr. Dhjaku has spent more than 25 years working in information technology within the banking industry. As IT Manager at Credins Bank, she has led a number of digital transformation projects.

She holds a PhD in Informatics from the University of Tirana, where she has also taught computer science for over 20 years.

Olivier P. Müller-Independent Investment Advisor

Olivier P. Müller works as an independent investment advisor, following a role in fund structuring and development. He spent nearly two decades at Credit Suisse in senior positions across investment solutions and equity research, as well as portfolio management, trading and sales, product management and investment strategy.

His expertise covers the full investment value chain, with a particular focus on equities and multi-asset portfolios. He holds an MSc in Business and Economics and is a CFA Charterholder, with CAIA, CIPM and FRM designations.

Željko Drinčić, President Montenegro Capital Market Authority

Zeljko Drincic is Chairman of the Capital Market Authority of Montenegro, the independent regulatory body responsible for supervising the issuance and trading of securities. The Authority operates in line with the principles of the International Organization of Securities Commissions, the EU legal framework and the rules of the European Securities and Markets Authority.

Under its mandate, the Authority is a signatory to the ESMA Memorandum of Cooperation for alternative investment funds, which governs supervisory cooperation and the exchange of information with EU competent authorities. It is autonomous in its work and accountable to the Assembly of Montenegro, which appoints its five members.

Hannah Oh - Founder of Article 6 Advisory & Co-Founder of IXO

Hannah Oh spent more than 15 years in commercial and sustainability leadership roles at Bayer across Asia, Europe and the USA, including Head of Marketing Excellence in Asia, Global Sales and Operations Lead, and Head of International Engagements for Water, where she built global partnerships around water conservation.

She now leads Article 6, a farm to fork and carbon market advisory and investment company, and is co-founder and investor at IXO, which uses blockchain and causal AI to deliver real-time measurement, reporting and verification for carbon and social impact credits. She holds a BA in Economics and Asian Studies from Macalester College and studied sustainability at the University of Cambridge. In 2023 she was named among Singapore’s top 30 Women of Power.

Collins Busuru - Executive Director, Kang4Nature

Collins Busuru is a wildlife conservationist and environmental advocate with more than five years of experience in community engagement, reforestation and biodiversity research. He previously served as CEO of CHD Conservation Kenya, leading community-led programmes to restore the Amboseli ecosystem.

As founder of Kang4Nature, he leads a youth-led organisation with 1,800 members across eleven Kenyan universities, which has grown more than 80,000 trees in Nairobi National Park and Karura Forest. His work centres on nature-based solutions to climate change, conservation education and the protection of vulnerable species such as the Maasai giraffe.

Prof. Dr. Eglantina Kalluci - University of Tirana, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences

Prof. Dr. Kalluci is Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Tirana. She has published more than 20 academic articles and belongs to several international associations in the field of mathematics.

Her doctoral work addressed the numerical solution of polynomial equations, including cases with multiple roots, and its implementation across a cluster of processors. Her recent research applies supervised and unsupervised machine learning to the study of the human microbiome.

Stefan R. Haake, MS.C - Conference of European Rabbis, CFO & Director of Development

As the CFO at CER, a leading non-profit organization that represents over 700 European rabbis, I oversee the financial management and strategic planning of the organization, ensuring compliance with regulatory and ethical standards. I also lead the development division, which is responsible for fundraising, donor relations, and estate planning for the organization’s foundation.

With a Master of Science in Leadership and Strategic Management from UCM and a certification as a Crypto Finance Expert (SAQ), I bring a unique combination of skills and expertise to the CFO role. I have over two years of experience as the COO and CPO of a blockchain banking startup, where I managed the operations and product development of a digital asset platform that was licensed as an outsourced banking service under § 25c KWG. I also have extensive knowledge and experience in estate planning and foundation management, having completed several courses and certifications in this field.

Dr. Shana McDermott, University of Missouri-Senior Economist

Dr. McDermott is an economist with nearly fifteen years of experience in environmental and natural resource economics. Her research has been recognised internationally and honoured with five awards for scientific contribution, and she has collaborated with global institutions including the UN on resource management policy.

She teaches undergraduate and graduate economics, serves as a reviewer and editor for academic journals, and has sat on several nonprofit boards. Making nature accessible to all is a commitment that runs through her work.

Kaddu Kiwe Sebunya, CEO African Wildlife Foundation

Kaddu Kiwe Sebunya is a prominent figure in the realm of conservation, celebrated for his visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to protecting Africa’s wildlife and wilderness areas. Since assuming the CEO role at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) in 2019, he has played a pivotal role in steering the organization towards a new era of conservation excellence, shaping its strategic direction and fostering multi-sectoral collaborations.

With a career spanning over three decades across the USA, Africa, and Europe, Kaddu has held various positions at grassroots, national, and regional levels. Before becoming CEO, he served as AWF’s President, showcasing exceptional leadership and a profound passion for conservation. At the heart of his mission lies a vision for a modern Africa where wildlife and wilderness flourish as essential components of human development, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity.

Under Kaddu’s guidance, AWF has emerged as a leading advocate for African conservation, advocating for the continent’s natural heritage on both local and global platforms. He led the unveiling of a groundbreaking 10-year strategic vision in 2020, emphasizing the coexistence of wildlife conservation with sustainable progress. Kaddu’s leadership extends beyond AWF, as he actively engages with diverse stakeholders and prestigious networks to elevate African voices in the global conservation discourse and foster collaboration for regional conservation efforts.

Colinne Bartell

Colinne Bartel studied Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles, with a focus on Russian history, and went on to complete a Master of Arts in International Relations at Claremont Graduate School.

She holds a dual MBA in Finance and Strategy from the Peter F. Drucker School of Management and EDHEC Business School. Dr. Jonah M. Otto

Dr. Jonah M. Otto, MPA

Dr. Otto is an assistant professor at the University of Augsburg, where his research and teaching sit at the intersection of international relations, globalisation, higher education and economic development. He also leads internationalisation and incoming exchange for his faculty.

Before moving to Germany, he worked for the U.S. Department of State in Edinburgh and served as assistant director of international programs at Indiana University. He holds a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University.

Dr. David A. Bell, Ph.D.

Dr. Bell is a faculty member at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He earned his PhD in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh, where he also completed an MPA focused on nonprofit and NGO management, and studied public affairs management at Michigan State University.

His research covers leadership and accountability in public organisations, entrepreneurship and capital flow in developing countries, programme evaluation, nonprofit management and cross-sector collaboration. He brings extensive management and executive experience from civil society organisations working in human services and banking.

Dr. Steven H. Corey

Dr. Corey is Professor of History and Dean of Academic Operations and Programming at Columbia College Chicago, where he oversees academic programmes and curriculum. He previously served as Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and chaired departments at Columbia and at Worcester State University.

His research and teaching focus on environmental and urban history and public policy. He is co-author or co-editor of six volumes, most recently America’s Urban History (2024) and Coastal Metropolis: Environmental Histories of Modern New York City (2021), and completed his doctorate at New York University on the history of solid waste management in New York City.

Prof. Dr. Ralf Frank

Dr. Frank is Managing Partner at Sustainserv, a sustainability consulting firm with offices in Zurich, Frankfurt and Boston. He previously spent nearly 20 years as Managing Director of the German Association of Investment Professionals and sits on the board of BAUM, a German business network of more than 850 corporate members working towards a socio-ecological market economy.

He is Professor of Organizational Transformation at GISMA University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam, teaching ESG risk, compliance and sustainable management. His expertise covers sustainability transformation and ESG risk analysis.

Prof. Alessio Malcevschi, University of Parma (Italy)

Alessio Malcevschi Graduated in Chemistry from the University of Parma, Ph D in Molecular Biology and Pathology, Post-Doc at the Cambridge Laboratory (John Innes Institute, Norwich (UK), Prof. at the Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability at University of Parma. Currently teaching “Food Sustainability” at the Department of Economics and Management. Professor of sustainability dissemination at the University Master’s in scientific communication. “Rector’s Delegate for the network of Italian Universities for Sustainable development. Member of the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASviS) at the SDG2  “Zero hunger” working table whose aim is to raise the awareness among  Italian society, economic stakeholders and institutions of the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Member of the scientific committee of Next (Italian Network for Civil Economy).

Dr. Anna Klis, University of Northern Illinois, Economics Department

Dr. Klis is an Associate Professor in the Economics Department at Northern Illinois University and a Faculty Associate of its Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy. She completed her PhD at the University of Texas at Austin, specialising in game theory and microeconomic theory.

Her research focuses on environmental externalities and international agreements, particularly how the structure of an agreement shapes its membership and effectiveness. She serves as Managing Editor of the Agricultural and Resource Economics Review.

Dr. Sandra Köhler, University of Augsburg, Head of the Green Office and Environmental Management Representative

Dr. Sandra Köhler serves as Head of the Green Office at the University of Augsburg, driving the university’s transformation toward sustainability. She is an industrial engineer with a Ph.D. in Industrial Ecology, where her research focused on strategies for preparing electrical and electronic equipment for reuse. In her current role, she also serves as Environmental Management Representative, supporting the implementation of the EMAS-based environmental management system at the university. Additionally, she co-founded PATOS, a science-based sustainability consultancy, where she and her team support organizations in applying True Cost Accounting to better integrate ecological and social impacts into decision-making.

Minjung Go, Associate Principal Researcher, Center for Social Value enhancement Studies, South Korea

Minjung Go is a researcher at the Center of Social Value Enhancement Studies, South Korea.She focuses on climate finance, carbon market projects and the evaluation of ESG performances of corporations. She earned her Masters at Seoul National University under intensive focus on environmental protection strategy and biogeochemistry, where she also earned her B.A majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering. 

She has several years of experience in ESG strategy, performance measurement, and stakeholder engagement, including managing ESG evaluation standards for investors and stakeholders in South Korea. Her work has involved close collaboration with both private sector companies and public institutions, providing insights into policy frameworks and market operations.

Her research and professional interests include biogeochemistry, climate finance instruments, ESG strategy implementation, and sustainability practices in the content and technology sectors. She is actively engaged in knowledge sharing and dissemination on climate policy and corporate ESG performance.

Dr. Josephine Wapakabulo, TIG Africa- Founder & Managing Director

Dr Josephine Wapakabulo brings 25 years of experience spanning corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and board governance. She partners with investors and entrepreneurs to build and scale businesses that deliver strong financial returns while advancing sustainable development. As founder and managing director of TIG Africa, she drives value creation in Africa-centric initiatives, with expertise in energy access, financial inclusion technologies, Climate-Tech and AI/machine learning innovations. Additionally, she serves as an Advisory Board member for the Bloomberg New Economy Forum.

Previously, she made history as the first woman to lead a national oil company at its inception, serving as the inaugural CEO of Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC). At UNOC, she led the development of Uganda’s commercial oil and gas strategy, securing over $20 billion in investment partnerships with regional and global stakeholders. Under her leadership, UNOC established robust policies and agreements aligned with International Finance Corporation (IFC) environmental and social risk standards, ensuring community development and local participation across the petroleum value chain.

Beyond her tenure at UNOC, Dr Wapakabulo has raised over $200 million in financing for various technology initiatives. She is an electrical engineer by training, with a PhD in data modeling and knowledge management standards, an Executive MBA from INSEAD, and advanced credentials in oil, gas, and mining governance from Oxford University. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years at Rolls-Royce plc, in the UK and Germany, where she earned recognition as an award-winning innovator and authored a book on the strategic importance of data standards for global organizations.

Dr. Louis Patrick Leroux, Saint Paul University,Ottawa-Canada - President

Louis Patrick Leroux is the President of Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. Previously, he was at Concordia University in Montreal for twenty years, where he was a professor in both departments of English and Études françaises as well as Associate Dean of Research for the Faculty of Arts and Science. He has been a visiting scholar at Duke University, Universidad de Chile, University of Milan-Bicocca, Charles University in Prague, and École normale supérieure de Lyon. Throughout the 1990s, he founded and led Ottawa’s Théâtre la Catapulte and later cofounded La nouvelle scene theatre space. A playwright and scholar, he has written on the research-creation process, organisational management in the arts, Québec theatre and contemporary circus.

Olga McLemore, W Partners Switzerland - Senior Equity Partner

With nearly two decades of experience in strategic headhunting and leadership advisory, Olga is a Senior Equity Partner & Board Member at W Partners Switzerland, where she spearheads the firm’s growth across the DACH region and Europe.  Her expertise lies in Corporate Functions, Financial Services, Private Markets, and Executive Leadership, where she partners with global corporations, family offices, and local SMEs to deliver tailored recruitment strategies that drive business transformation and growth.  As a trusted advisor, Olga combines market insight, cultural understanding, and a pragmatic approach to ensure companies secure and retain top leadership talent in competitive markets.

Prior to W Talent, Olga held senior leadership positions at LHH, Badenoch + Clark, and Page Group, consistently building high-performing recruitment teams and delivering senior mandates across Finance, Legal & Compliance, HR, Strategy, and Corporate Functions. She began her career in strategy consulting, focusing on growth, brand positioning, and talent enablement.

Dr. Ryan C. Bailey, Ph.D., PMP®, CCMP™

Dr. Bailey is an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategic Change at the University of Wyoming, bringing more than twelve years of industry experience across the government, healthcare, communication, retail and energy sectors.

A certified Project Management Professional and one of the first 500 practitioners worldwide to become a Certified Change Management Professional, he has consulted on corporate and social entrepreneurship initiatives for NGOs and Fortune 500 companies. His research looks at how firms and entrepreneurs create positive change, with a focus on social and commercial entrepreneurship and civic wealth creation.