American Sustainable Business Council Announces New CEO, Long-time Executive from Numi Tea

Washington, DC – The leading policy advocacy group representing the interests of responsible businesses today announced a new CEO. Hammad Atassi, a long-time senior executive with Numi Organic Tea, was appointed by Board of Directors of the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC). He assumes day-to-day leadership of the organization starting today.

Co-founder and President David Levine said, “The board and I are pleased that Hammad is joining us as CEO. His passion for mission-driven, triple-bottom-line values is exactly what the responsible business community needs as the leader of ASBC. Hammad’s track record with Numi in helping to build a financially, environmentally and socially successful company is the right foundation to help ASBC and the business community accelerate our momentum to build the movement for a sustainable economy.”

Hammad Atassi said, “I am thrilled to join ASBC. Now more than ever, policy is vital to keep the arc of business bending towards sustainability in all facets: social, economic or environmental. I look forward to working with the staff, board and membership of ASBC to speed the growth of the organization and its impact. I believe that together we can build the future of business that our country needs.”

“Hammad was the clear front runner in our quest to find the next generation leader for ASBC. We believe he is the one to help ASBC fulfill its potential to move government policies that encourage all businesses to adopt and adhere to the triple-bottom-line values of people, planet and profit,” said Jeffrey Hollender, Board Chair and Chair of the search committee. “From my days at Seventh Generation I understood that it was more than doing less bad, it is about changing the larger market systems and policies. We look forward to working closely with him as he applies his considerable talent and expertise in service to our mission and our members.”

Board Vice Chair MaryAnne Howland said, “We went through a rigorous process to ensure that we were open and inclusive in the search for the best candidates to lead ASBC into the future. Hammad emerged as our choice because of his vision and passion for the unique work of our organization to advance policies that support an inclusive sustainable business community. Hammad recognizes the unique challenges, perspectives, and power of the voices of women- and minority-owned member businesses and that was a key factor for our organizational leadership.”

Atassi was a key leader at Numi since 2005, taking on several roles, first as General Manager, then as Vice President of the Foodservice Division. In 2015 he became Vice President of Strategic Development, leading efforts to identify and build new market opportunities while protecting and growing the authentic brand values and existing brand partnerships.

Prior to Numi, Atassi was an executive in the financial services industry. He holds an MBA from George Washington University in Washington, DC and a BA from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.