Key Impact Points:
- Ruth Harper is driving ManpowerGroup’s dual mission to lead in green job creation and deliver measurable ESG results across 70+ countries.
- Under her leadership, ManpowerGroup ranked 96th in TIME’s 2024 World’s Most Sustainable Companies—#1 in the workforce solutions industry.
- The company is advancing five key levers of climate action and workforce transformation, including fleet electrification, renewable energy use, and upskilling talent for green transitions
SDG News Spotlight: Ruth Harper, Chief Sustainability Officer, ManpowerGroup
Ruth Harper, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer at ManpowerGroup, leads global marketing and ESG strategy across 70+ countries and brands including Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions. With more than 25 years of experience in branding, communications, and sustainability, she is a driving force behind the company’s “Working to Change the World” Plan.
Championing the Green Skills Transition
A passionate advocate for upskilling and career development—especially for underrepresented communities—Harper integrates marketing and sustainability to build resilient workforces.
“I believe a job can open up a path to new opportunities and improving skills can transform lives even further. For individuals and for organizations,” she says.
Ruth Harper also represents ManpowerGroup at the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society, and leads global conversations on ethical AI, workforce readiness, and climate action.
Leading ESG with Accountability
In 2024, ManpowerGroup was recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies, securing the 96th spot globally and ranking first in its sector with a score of 70.48/100.
“We’re committed to progress, not just pledges, so this recognition is especially appreciated,” said Harper. “For us sustainability is not a fad – it is how we grow our business while caring for people and planet.”
She added, “We have set ambitious goals and our Planet Leaders and teams around the world are taking decisive action to implement Climate Transition Plans. We know where and how we can shift the needle across five key levers: increasing renewable energy use, decarbonizing our commutes, electrifying our fleet, promoting eco-responsible business travel, and scaling our impact throughout our supply chain.”
A Data-Driven Path to Impact
TIME and Statista’s rigorous evaluation assessed over 5,000 global companies on 20+ sustainability metrics, including:
- CDP ratings
- SBTi-aligned emissions goals
- UN Global Compact and GRI/SASB reporting
- Environmental and social performance indicators
ManpowerGroup’s performance reflects progress in areas like gender diversity in leadership, workplace safety, and renewable energy adoption—strengthening both business resilience and social impact.
Beyond the Boardroom
Based in Milwaukee with her husband and two teenage sons, Ruth Harper also serves on the board of Discovery World science museum. As a former geography teacher, she continues to champion work-based learning opportunities for youth, including internships and apprenticeships.
“Through my public affairs experience I’m interested in labor markets, and influencing them to drive job creation and skills development,” Harper shares. “I’m committed to leading ManpowerGroup to be one of the solutions to prepare more people to be ready for the future of work and to enjoy a greater share in prosperity for all.”
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