Michael Okoroafor is McCormick’s Chief Sustainability Officer. In his role, he is responsible for the development and execution of an enhanced sustainability strategy, working with commercial and communications teams, and building on our foundation to ensure that our successes in this area continue to be recognized in the global market. His focus is working across the organization, through the Purpose-led Performance (PLP) Governing Council, to develop and drive our strategy both internally and externally.
Dr. Okoroafor joined McCormick in 2015, and most recently served as Vice President, Global Sustainability and Packaging Innovation. Prior to his tenure at McCormick, he was Vice President for Packaging and R&D at H.J. Heinz Company, where he was responsible for setting overall global strategy and direction for the packaging organization and leading external innovation across North America. He has also held key leadership roles at other consumer goods and manufacturing companies, including The Coca-Cola Company and PPG Industries, Inc.
Dr. Okoroafor holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Nigeria, a Master’s degree in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Detroit, and a Ph.D. in Organic Polymer Chemistry from Michigan State University. He is also a graduate of the Executive Development Program at Kellogg Business School at Northwestern University.
Dr. Okoroafor is an inventor with over 40 patents, has been published in over 35 technical publications. He serves on the Board of Directors for the United Nations Global Compact USA, AMERIPEN, and the Institute of Packaging Professionals. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Charter Next Generation. He is a member of the Engineering & Science Advisory Board for the University of Detroit – Mercy, the Consumer Brand Association Packaging Sustainability Council, and the American Chemical Society.
Dr. Okoroafor was inducted into the Packaging and Processing Hall of Fame in 2018. He is also a 2020 Honoree to the Environment+Energy Leader 100 (E+E100). In 2023, he was recognized with a Maryland International Business Leadership award by the World Trade Center Institute as one of eight innovative leaders helping to put Maryland on the map for global business.
