Mark Hodge

Business and Human Rights Expert; Research Fellow, IHRB

Mark is an independent advisor on business and human rights. He has extensive knowledge about business practice and challenges related to implementing corporate respect for human rights. His recent and current work focuses on effective measurement of business respect for human rights; innovations in increasing leverage to effect change in complex systems and value chains; and the emerging human rights challenges of new technologies.

Between 2009 and 2017, Mark was the Executive Director of the Global Business Initiative on Human Rights (GBI), a business-led organisation the members of which include: ABB, BASF, BHP, Chevron, Coca-Cola, Flex, Novo Nordisk, Syngenta, Total and Vale. In this capacity, he led the development of GBI’s cross-industry peer learning and global outreach program that addressed the daily realities and dilemmas of implementing Corporate Respect for Human Rights. Areas of focus included human rights strategies; governance and culture; business relationships and leverage; operational grievance mechanisms, integration of human rights into core business processes (such as risk, customer due diligence, and M&A), and tracking progress and performance.

Over the years, Mark has designed and delivered training and capacity building around the world to business leaders, NGO representatives, and students. He has also conducted factory and mine assessments, and field visits in several countries. Mark is regularly invited to speak at major business and human rights forums and has authored or contributed to a number of publications.

Mark has a first-class degree in politics theory from Queen Mary, University of London. He is trained in various dialogue and facilitation methods including scenario planning, organisational constellations, deep democracy, and the art of hosting.