NAEM Honors Mike Jaklitsch with Lifetime Achievement Award
“With more than three decades of distinguished service, Mike has left an enduring legacy in environmental stewardship, workplace safety, and sustainable business leadership,” said Carol Singer Neuvelt, Executive Director at NAEM.
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, twelve other EHS and Sustainability leaders were recognized at the Excellence Awards ceremony, which took place during FORUM25, NAEM’s annual conference for EHS and Sustainability decision-makers.
During his 29-year tenure with The Estée Lauder Companies, Jaklitsch led the company’s global EHS organization, overseeing programs across manufacturing, distribution, retail, and R&D operations. Under his leadership, the company achieved a 95% reduction in workplace incidents, zero industrial waste to landfill, and 100% renewable electricity across its global operations—establishing the company as a global leader in sustainability and employee well-being.
He also launched The Estée Lauder Companies’ first Corporate Social Responsibility Report, spearheaded wellness programs that have provided lifesaving health screenings for employees for more than 20 years and served as Executive Sponsor of the company’s Veterans Employee Resource Group.
“Mike is a true champion of all employees, regardless of job title, and he is committed to expanding and cultivating EHS leaders at every level,” wrote nominator Kim Yoakum, Executive Director of Environmental Sustainability & EHS Center of Excellence at The Estée Lauder Companies. “He reaches people where they are, from the shop floor, a retail counter, or even a tenured EHS professional, and supports their development to grow in their careers and influence others along the way.”
Known for his mentorship and people-first leadership style, Jaklitsch has championed diversity, inclusion, and professional certification across his teams. His guidance and advocacy helped The Estée Lauder Companies earn recognition on the EPA Green Power Award, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and CDP’s Climate A List, among others.
“Mike exemplifies the spirit of this award,” said Nicole Wilkinson, Board Chair of NAEM. “His leadership transformed EHS from a compliance function into a global culture of care, innovation, and impact—one that will influence our profession for years to come.”
###
About NAEM
The National Association for Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHS&S) Management (NAEM) empowers corporate leaders to advance environmental stewardship, create safe and healthy workplaces, and promote global sustainability. As the largest professional community for EHS and Sustainability decision-makers, NAEM provides peer-led educational conferences, benchmarking research, and an active network for sharing solutions to today's corporate management challenges. For more information, visit naem.org.