Savannah, Ga., July 15, 2024 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has appointed Smitha Hariharan as its new vice president and chief sustainability officer, marking a significant step in the company’s commitment to sustainability. Hariharan will be instrumental in aligning Gulfstream’s business strategies with eco-friendly principles to achieve long-term value and industry leadership in sustainable practices.
Previously, Hariharan was the global head of sustainability at Halliburton Energy Services, where she formulated and implemented the company’s comprehensive sustainability strategy. Her responsibilities included overseeing governance, benchmarking data, and stakeholder engagement.
“We are thrilled to have Smitha join Gulfstream to enhance our sustainability strategy,” said Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream. “Her expertise will be vital as we strive to meet our sustainability goals, including General Dynamics’ target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 40% by 2034 from 2019 levels. Smitha’s leadership will accelerate our progress in this crucial area.”
Gulfstream has already made notable advancements in sustainability. Its next-generation aircraft boast up to 33% better fuel efficiency compared to previous models. Since 2014, the company has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 18% despite expanding its facilities by 30%. A landmark achievement was the completion of the world’s first trans-Atlantic flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in November 2023.
“Gulfstream is committed to pioneering a sustainable future,” added Burns. “Smith’s insights and knowledge will drive our strategy forward, ensuring we continue to lead the industry in sustainability.”
Earlier this year, Gulfstream joined the International Aerospace Environmental Group (IAEG) supplier assessment initiative to enhance its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risk management. This agreement requires all Gulfstream suppliers to share their sustainability strategies, aiming to improve the overall sustainability performance of the aerospace industry and its supply chain. This initiative seeks to foster positive change and build a more resilient and eco-friendly supply chain.
With Smitha Hariharan at the helm, Gulfstream is poised to further its dedication to sustainability, reinforcing its position as an industry leader in green aviation practices.
