Michael Blanding is the global Head of Sustainability and Impact Investment for Berge Bulk, one of the world’s leading independent dry bulk ship owners with a fleet of 80 vessels.

Michael drives the company’s ESG strategy. Under Michael’s leadership, the Berge Bulk has made bold commitments to become carbon neutral by 2025.

Prior to joining the shipping industry, Michael spent six years as the Director of Sustainability for Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), where he set up the sustainability function in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa.

Having grown up in Asia, Michael speaks fluent Mandarin as well as basic Tagalog, Bahasa, and Cantonese. Outside the office, Michael is a love-struck husband, a rough-housing dad to two boys, a professional emcee, an aspiring soul singer, and a part-time Chinese TV personality.