Bob Langert

2 Jul 2024

Bob Langert is a global authority in the field of social licence and sustainability, having delivered TedTalks and written books on the subject. Best known for his influential tenure at McDonald’s spanning over three decades, Langert’s work has set benchmarks in environmental and social governance.

From the late 1980s, McDonald’s found itself embroiled in a series of contentious issues in the areas of animal welfare and environmental sustainability, often clashing with powerful NGOs such as Greenpeace and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Langert was appointed as McDonald’s first Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability in 2006 and was tasked with addressing the social licence issues that had taken the brand from being recognised as the beloved ‘Golden Arches’ to a symbol of many societal problems. He transformed McDonald’s social licence efforts from defensive manoeuvres to proactive problem-solving in collaboration with unexpected partners.

Langert’s work underscores the importance of collaboration, authentic openness, and persistent innovation in addressing the complex challenges of social acceptability. As the horseracing industry grapples with its own social licence challenges, Langert’s experiences offer valuable insights on the potential for transformative change through committed leadership and strategic partnerships.