Chapter Zero NZ breakfast with Michael Kobori | From values to value
Overview
As market conditions have tightened and expectations have risen, sustainability is moving from aspiration to execution — a strategic lever for driving productivity, growth, and risk mitigation.
Michael Kobori — experienced director, former Chief Sustainability Officer at Starbucks, and VP of Sustainability at Levi Strauss & Co. — has spent more than two decades helping global corporations embed sustainability into core business. With deep experience across both operations and governance, Michael brings practical insights into how and why sustainability could be translated into tangible business outcomes.
In this fireside chat with chair of the Chapter Zero NZ steering committee and ASB director Ross Buckley CMInstD, Michael will share his global insights on how boards can take a sharper, more strategic approach to sustainability — not as a bolt-on, but as a driver of value creation. He’ll reflect on how economic pressures, shifting investor expectations, and new regulatory realities are raising the bar for board oversight — and how smart companies are getting ahead.
This session will explore:
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Why boards should treat sustainability as a lever for risk mitigation — across supply chains, insurance, capital access and regulation
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How sustainability strategy can unlock business productivity and operational efficiency
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The shift from bold commitments to disciplined delivery — and what that means for governance
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How directors can ask the right questions to ensure strategy and sustainability are fully aligned
From values to value is not a retreat from purpose — it’s how boards translate purpose into performance.
This Chapter Zero NZ breakfast is sponsored by ASB Bank.
Chapter Zero NZ Supporters receive a 20% discount for this event with the code SUPPORTER07NOV. It is free to become a Supporter, join now.
Table sales are available for this event for $1050.00 incl. GST for a table of ten. Subject to availability at the time of booking. For enquiries or bookings, please contact Gemma Fellowes.
Speakers
Michael Kobori
Michael Kobori is a globally recognised leader in corporate sustainability, with over 30 years of experience applying sustainability and social impact to drive growth, productivity, and brand value.
He has held senior leadership roles at Starbucks and Levi Strauss & Co., where he pioneered industry-leading initiatives across climate, human rights, innovation, and supply chain transformation. As Starbucks’ first Chief Sustainability Officer, he led global programs across 40,000 stores and partnered with finance and retail teams to deliver over $400M in high-impact investments. At Levi’s, he positioned the company as a sustainability leader and co-developed the $2B Global Trade Supplier Finance program in partnership with the World Bank.
Michael also brings deep governance experience, having served as a board director for Bunge Global SA during a period of record-breaking earnings, a major merger, and significant sustainability milestones. He is widely trusted across public, private, and civil sectors, and has served on numerous global boards and industry coalitions advancing sustainable and responsible business.
Ross Buckley CMInstD
Ross Buckley CMInstD began his professional governance career in October 2020 after retiring from KPMG, where he was executive chair of the New Zealand firm from 2011 to 2020. Ross joined KPMG in Wellington in 1983 and held a variety of roles in New Zealand and overseas including serving as a board member of KPMG Asia Pacific and a member of KPMG’s Global Council.
Ross is an independent board director of ASB Bank, he chairs the Audit Committee and is a member of ASB’s Appointment and Remuneration, and Risk Committees. He is also the independent chair of Service Foods and a member of Massey University’s Council and chairs their Finance and Assurance Committee. Ross is an independent director at Investore Property Limited and independent director at Stride Property Group and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. Ross is also a member of the Audit Oversight Committee at Financial Markets Authority.
Ross has a BBS (Massey University) and is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and Fellow Certified Practising Accountant (FCPA). Ross is a Chartered Member of the IoD and was appointed Chair of the Board in June 2023.
Additional information
Event sponsor
Event cancellation policy
Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any event. See our standard terms and conditions for more information.
Contact
Gemma Fellowes
Project & Events Executive
+64 9 365 2736
Gemma.Fellowes@iod.org.nz
