• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, April 10, 2023

The founder and former owner of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard has been named this year’s Cannes LionHeart award winner.

The award is given to a person who has made a significant and positive difference in the world. Chouinard is being recognized for his lifelong commitment to environmentalism and philanthropic contributions.

Last year the Chouinard family transferred ownership of the 50-year-old Patagonia to a trust and a nonprofit organization that ensure that all of the company’s future profits—estimated at about $100 million annually—will be used to fight climate change and protect undeveloped land around the world.

Chouinard stated: “Receiving the recognition of the LionHeart award sends the message that creativity can be a powerful force in the work to save our home planet. The creative industry is uniquely placed to lead the way in ambitious business practices and to inspire people everywhere to act now.”

As a company, he added, “we give away 1% of sales each year and are a certified B Corporation. But none of this is enough. That’s why we decided it’s time for a new experiment, with the announcement that earth is now our only shareholder.”

Last year’s recipient was girls’ education activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai. Earlier winners include Bono, Al Gore, Blake Mycoskie, Richard Curtis, Paul Polman and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.