Pilar Cruz

As Cargill’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Pilar Cruz provides strategic leadership to advance sustainable supply chains for customers around the world. Guided by Cargill’s purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way, she leads efforts to develop innovative and collaborative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges—from food security to climate change—to build a more resilient food system. In addition to leading global sustainability, Pilar oversees Cargill’s corporate responsibility and global communications functions, focusing on investing in and empowering local communities, and building and safeguarding the company’s brand and reputation.

With more than two decades at Cargill, Pilar brings a strong track record of leadership across a range of businesses. She has held senior roles in protein, food, animal nutrition, and corporate strategy and development. Most recently, she served as President and Group Leader of Cargill’s global aqua nutrition business, where she launched the SeaFurther ™ Sustainability initiative—aimed at reducing the seafood industry’s environmental footprint while driving growth through sustainable innovation. Outside of Cargill, Pilar serves on the boards of directors for Donaldson Company, Inc., a global leader in filtration solutions, and the World Food Program USA, where she helps advance solutions to fight hunger and malnutrition. In 2024, Pilar was named to TIME magazine’s “TIME100 Climate list,” recognizing the most influential climate leaders in business.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Pilar is the first Latina to serve on Cargill’s Executive Team. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bogotá’s Universidad de Los Andes and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.