Emily Coon

Emily is a sustainability leader, strategist and communicator, born and raised on a small farm in Cornwall. Growing up close to the land shaped her understanding of climate change not as an abstract issue, but as something deeply connected to livelihoods, community and place. She currently leads sustainability at St Austell Brewery, the largest private, family-owned business in the South West. Working across pubs, breweries and supply chains, Emily has helped shape and embed the company’s first long-term sustainability strategy, collaborating with nearly 2,000 colleagues to turn climate ambition into practical, everyday action. Her work centres on influence rather than authority, bringing people with her through trust, collaboration and clear storytelling. She is particularly passionate about the role of culture and leadership in driving meaningful climate action, and about reframing sustainability as something owned by everyone, not just specialists. Previously, Emily worked in sustainability consultancy, supporting food and drink businesses with strategy development, reporting and behaviour change. She holds degrees in Business Management and Sustainability, with an academic grounding in economics. In 2025, she was recognised in edie’s 30 Under 30 for emerging climate leaders and is currently shortlisted for edie’s Rising Sustainability Star Award. At heart, she is driven by a belief in community, connection and the power of people to create change from where they stand.