Christina Shim has been appointed as IBM’s Chief Sustainability Officer. Christina, who previously led IBM Sustainability Software, brings nearly 20 years of experience in business, technology, and impact.
Wayne Balta, IBM’s current Chief Sustainability Officer, will retire on June 15. Christina Shim, Vice President of Product Management for IBM Sustainability Software, will take over his position on May 2.
For 40 years, Wayne has been instrumental in IBM’s commitment to environmental leadership and driving global environmental progress. He has also played a key role in product safety and developed IBM’s global environmental management system. Wayne has received recognition for his work, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association for Environmental Management, and being named a White House “Champion of Change” by President Obama.
“According to Joanne Wright, Senior Vice President of Transformation and Operations at IBM, the company is always seeking new ways to utilize technology and improve efficiency, productivity, employee, and customer experiences.” said Joanne Wright, Senior Vice President, Transformation and Operations at IBM. “We are excited about this announcement, and we are confident that Christina’s expertise will build on top of Wayne’s legacy to advance our sustainability efforts even further.”
Christina currently leads the sustainability software business at IBM, focusing on growth, partnerships, and innovation using AI and hybrid cloud. She also plays a role in IBM’s AI Ethics Board and ESG Executive Steering Committee. Christina has experience in strategy and operations for Fortune 500 firms, startups, non-profits, and government organizations globally. She was recently recognized as one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Next Gen on climate change and has represented IBM on climate change and AI sustainability in the media, at COP, and the World Energy Congress.
“Christina Shim, IBM’s Chief Sustainability Officer, expressed her enthusiasm about taking on this new challenge and continuing IBM’s important environmental work leveraging technology.” said Christina Shim, IBM’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “IBM is a pioneer in leveraging its own technologies to make a positive impact through sustainability and in its business. From minimizing climate-related risks to developing industry solutions using AI and hybrid cloud, IBM aims to create more pathways to conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact.“
IBM has a history of environmental commitments for over 50 years and remains active in research, advocacy, and coalitions. The company believes that AI-powered solutions can accelerate problem-solving and help address climate change. In her new role, Christina will bring top industry practices in sustainability, including deeper technology implementation and the infusion of data and AI into operations to further IBM’s sustainability journey.
