Ester Baiget: Pioneering Biosolutions for a Sustainable Future

Snapshot

Ester Baiget is a trailblazer in the biosolutions industry, driving innovation and sustainability as the President and CEO of Novonesis. Under her visionary leadership, the company has championed groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology, enabling industries to achieve environmental goals by replacing fossil-based resources with eco-friendly solutions.

Early Life and Education

Born in Spain, Ester Baiget displayed an early aptitude for science and problem-solving. She earned her Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious Institut Químic de Sarrià in Barcelona. This academic foundation equipped her with the expertise to navigate and transform the global chemical and biosolutions sectors.

Career

With over 25 years of experience, Baiget has held leadership roles that span manufacturing, technical innovation, and strategic growth.
Leadership at Dow: As President of Dow’s Industrial Solutions business unit, she was a key member of the executive leadership team, driving innovation and operational excellence.
CEO of Novozymes: In 2020, Baiget took the helm of Novozymes, a global leader in enzymes and microbes.
Formation of Novonesis: Her tenure led to the successful 2023 merger of Novozymes with Chr. Hansen, creating Novonesis, a company dedicated to enabling industries to achieve more with less.

Baiget’s career reflects her ability to blend strategic vision with operational expertise, advancing sustainability across industries.

Sustainability Highlights and Focus

Ester Baiget’s leadership is rooted in her commitment to sustainability and innovation. Some of her key contributions include:

1. Championing Innovative Biosolutions

Led Novonesis in partnering with the Andermatt Group to introduce Cell-Tech, a nitrogen-fixing bacteria that boosts soybean yields while reducing chemical fertilizer use.
Collaborated with Carbios to industrialize PET-degrading enzymes, offering a groundbreaking solution to plastic waste challenges.

2. Setting Bold Sustainability Goals

Net-Zero Emissions: Novonesis aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Gender Parity and Renewable Energy: Under Baiget’s leadership, the company is on track to reach gender parity by 2030 and operate on 100% renewable energy by the following year.

3. Advocacy on Global Platforms

Serves as Vice-Chair of The B Team, advocating for sustainable business practices worldwide.
Co-chairs the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, championing cross-industry collaboration for climate action.

4. Recognition and Influence

Named among the TIME100 Climate Leaders in 2024, acknowledging her exceptional contributions to sustainability and innovation.

Vision for the Future

Ester Baiget’s leadership exemplifies a commitment to aligning business success with environmental stewardship. By driving sustainable innovation and fostering global partnerships, she continues to shape a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.