Laura E. Kohler is a business leader with over 30 years of experience, driving purposeful
change in the workplace and the world. As Chief Sustainable Living Officer at Kohler Co., she
leads efforts to help people live more sustainably, improving operational efficiency by reducing
water and energy consumption while enhancing product circularity. Laura is responsible for
integrating environmental sustainability across manufacturing, product development, and
hospitality at Kohler.
Under her leadership, Laura launched Kohler’s water initiative, “Water Stewardship Through
Uncompromising Design,” focusing on equitable access to clean water and creating sustainable
water solutions. She has actively engaged designers and architects to prioritize environmentally sustainable and inclusive products, which has resulted in significant business growth and high-
profile recognition at events such as the Interior Design Show Toronto, Climate Week, and NYCxDesign.
Laura has held several positions at Kohler, such as Chief Sustainability & DEI Officer, SVP
Human Resources & Stewardship, and VP Communications. In all her roles, Laura has had a
deep passion for employee engagement and well-being. Well before it was mainstream, she
introduced one of the first flexible workplace programs to reinforce the company’s longstanding
belief in taking care of employees, families, and the communities where they live and work.
Laura believes that the key to embedding the company’s sustainability, stewardship and social
impact efforts is to remain focused on empowering Associates in Action and helping associates
ignite a sense of belonging and purpose in their work. Her efforts led to programs like Innovation
for Good®, Safe Water for All, KOHLER WasteLAB and the company’s first ESG report in 2022.
Laura serves as the Chair for Kohler’s three Trusts: Clean Water, Arts and Education, and
Preservation. She is also on the boards of Kohler Company, Duke University’s Trinity Board of
Visitors, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Kohler Foundation, African Wildlife Foundation,
and the National Housing Endowment.