Alan Cuddihy
Cork,Ireland
Summary
Sustainability Executive | UN SDG Pioneer | Experienced Engineer An accomplished sustainability leader with over 15 years of experience bridging the gap between complex engineering and global ESG strategy. Recognized as a UN Global Compact SDG Pioneer, I specialize in transforming sustainability from a compliance requirement into a competitive business advantage. From the factory floor to global GRI reporting, I have a proven track record of designing circular economy programs that deliver measurable ROI, social impact, and environmental resilience.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Principal
LifeCycleESG
2026.01 - Current
LifeCycleESG / StartUpESG (2026) lifecycleesg.com startupesg.com
Advisory to help SMEs and NGOs integrate sustainability into core operations and strategy. These organizations are often willing to make this transition but often lack the knowhow and access to finance. I am creating this advisory to stay active in the industry, articulate ideas and build networks as I move with my family from Hong Kong to Ireland in 2026. StartUpESG will be a free service for early-stage companies.
VP Sustainability
PCH International
Hong Kong / Cork, Ireland
2019.01 - 2026.03
Led the development of PCH’s sustainability strategy and service offering, focusing on economic value through environmental and social excellence. Expanded stakeholder engagement to NGOs, industry, academics, and communities. Launched energy efficiency projects and a pioneering migrant worker community service. Key Clients: L’Oréal, P&G, Uber, Square
Country Manager Greater China
PCH International
Shenzhen, China
2017.01 - 2022.01
Led strategic business initiatives and partnerships, overseeing planning and implementation of key objectives. Managed and developed teams for operational efficiency. Guided customers through the PCH hardware platform with a focus on financial, social, and environmental supply chain performance. Key Clients: Apple, Beats, HP, GoPro, Amazon
Head of Sustainability
Highway1 StartUp Accelerator
Shenzhen / San Francisco / Riyadh
2012.01 - 2018.01
Led sustainability at Highway1, a San Francisco-based accelerator supporting MedTech and ClimateTech startups in scaling manufacturing. Supported participant companies’ sustainability efforts. In 2024, helped launch the PIF Accelerated Manufacturing Program in Riyadh, a 6-month initiative to boost GCC’s sustainable manufacturing capabilities. Now in its third cohort. StartUp Successes ($1Bn Valuation): Cue Medical, Molekule, Latch Access
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Electronic Engineering
University of Limerick
Ireland 1998.09 - 2002.05
Master of Science - Renewable Energy Technology
University of Oldenburg/University of Kassel
Germany 2007.09 - 2009.05
CSR Leadership Program -
University of California Berkeley: Haas School of Business
Berkeley, California 2011.06 - 2011.06
Supply Chain Mgt. Strategies and Innovations -
Stanford University: Graduate School of Business
Palo Alto, California 2016.08 - 2016.08
Sustainable Finance - CISL
University of Cambridge
United Kingdom 2021.09 - 2021.12
Skills
- Relationship Management: Building and nurturing long-term partnerships with key stakeholders, clients, and industry influencers
- Adaptability: Able to pivot quickly and embrace new workflows or hybrid environments
- Problem-Solving: Using critical thinking to identify issues and implement effective solutions
- Leadership: Motivating others, delegating tasks, and taking initiative, even in non-management roles
- Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines efficiently
- Emotional Intelligence: Building rapport, managing conflict, and showing empathy
- AI Literacy: Ability to use AI tools to improve productivity
Languages
English
Native
Chinese (Mandarin)
Elementary
Awards & Recognition
UN Global Compact: SDG Pioneer for a Circular Economy (2021), The SDG Pioneer entries were judged by an expert panel of representatives of the UN Global Compact Expert Network, alongside previous SDG Pioneers and representatives from academia and UN agencies. The selection criteria included the individuals' commitment to embedding the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into their companies' core strategies and their efforts to advance the SDGs.
Sustainable Nation Ireland: 40 Under 40 Sustainability Leaders (2016), The 40 under 40 Irish Sustainability Leaders Network brings 40 young innovators – all under the age of 40 - from across Irish industry who are charged with driving their companies’ sustainability agendas.
Affiliations
- Irish Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong (2019-2023)
Speaking Events
- The Sustainability Summit
- TechCrunch Disrupt
- EY Entrepreneur of the Year
- Kering Group Sustainability Summit by Plug and Play
Articles
- The 2030 Value Chain
- Building a Circular Economy
- Packaging – The Unsung Hero of Sustainable Supply Chains
Webinars
- What ESG means for Global Supply Chains
- Opportunities in ESG
- What is Sustainable Design
Other Press
- Irish Independent Bio
- PCH Press Release UNGC
Timeline
Principal
LifeCycleESG
2026.01 - Current
Sustainable Finance - CISL
University of Cambridge
2021.09 - 2021.12
VP Sustainability
PCH International
2019.01 - 2026.03
Country Manager Greater China
PCH International
2017.01 - 2022.01
Supply Chain Mgt. Strategies and Innovations -
Stanford University: Graduate School of Business
2016.08 - 2016.08
Head of Sustainability
Highway1 StartUp Accelerator
2012.01 - 2018.01
CSR Leadership Program -
University of California Berkeley: Haas School of Business
2011.06 - 2011.06
Master of Science - Renewable Energy Technology
University of Oldenburg/University of Kassel
2007.09 - 2009.05
Bachelor of Engineering - Electronic Engineering
University of Limerick
1998.09 - 2002.05