Who is Craig Woodburn? All about Molson Coors’ EMEA & APAC ESG Leader

Molson Coors, the global beer company behind popular brands like Coors Light, Carling, Staropramen, and Blue Moon Belgian White, has appointed Craig Woodburn as its new EMEA & APAC Sustainability Director. This move strengthens the company’s focus on sustainability and eco-friendly operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Molson Coors has a long history dating back to 1786 when John Molson founded Canada’s oldest brewery. Today, the company emphasizes raising industry standards and leaving a positive impact on employees, communities, consumers, and the environment.

About Craig Woodburn

Craig Woodburn has extensive experience in sustainability, covering areas such as the circular economy, supply chain sustainability, carbon management, ESG, and environmental policy. He earned a Bachelor’s in Biology and Chemistry and a Master’s in Integrated Environmental Control from Nottingham Trent University.

Craig joined Molson Coors in 2024 as the Western Europe Sustainability Director. Now, he takes on the expanded role of overseeing sustainability in both EMEA and APAC regions. On LinkedIn, Craig describes himself as a “Sustainability and Compliance professional” who enjoys learning, taking on new challenges, and driving progress in circularity, carbon, energy, and supply chain management while handling budgets and targets at a director level.

Molson Coors’ Sustainability Goals

Sustainability has been part of Molson Coors’ strategy for over a century. In 1885, the company launched its first recycling initiative, offering customers money for returning empty bottles. In 2025, Molson Coors continues this journey with ambitious targets.

• Water reduction: Cut water use in large breweries by 22% and restore 3.5 billion gallons of water in stressed brewery areas.

• Carbon emissions: Reduce direct carbon emissions by 50% by the end of 2025, with 44.3% already achieved.

• Renewable energy: Invest in wind farms to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

• Packaging: Aim for 100% reusable or recyclable packaging.

Sustainable Supply Chain Efforts

Molson Coors also emphasizes ethical and sustainable supply chains. The company requires suppliers to meet strict environmental, social, and economic standards. By 2025, Molson Coors plans to source 100% of its barley and hops from suppliers meeting these sustainability goals and reduce water usage in farming and malting by 10%.

The Grower Direct Portal, a digital platform in the US, helps the company monitor farmers’ practices and improve sustainability across its supply chain. Craig explained to Sustainability Magazine that accurate data is crucial for targeted reductions and continuous improvement, helping the company move toward net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050.

Leadership Statement

Gavin Hattersley, CEO of Molson Coors, said, “Beverage makers like Molson Coors depend on the Earth to create products our consumers love. We are committed to reducing our impact on the planet.”

Craig Woodburn is also scheduled to speak at Sustainability LIVE London 2025 on the panel for Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chains, sharing insights into sustainable practices across the beverage industry.