Ray C. Anderson

Ray Anderson revolutionized the modular carpet tile market when he founded Interface in 1973—a market that now exceeds $1.3 billion in annual sales. With a background in industrial engineering, Anderson redefined both manufacturing and sustainability practices. In 1994, after reading Paul Hawken’s The Ecology of Commerce, he experienced what he described as a “spear in the chest” moment. This epiphany spurred the launch of Interface’s bold Mission Zero^® initiative to eliminate the company’s environmental footprint and set the company on a course to become a regenerative business.

Environmental thought leader Paul Hawken observed, “Ray’s impact went beyond technology and numbers; he connected deeply with every person he met, inspiring them to see sustainability as a moral imperative.”

Interface’s work to minimize its environmental impact began at a time when other companies were just starting to discuss sustainability, and it set a new standard for corporate responsibility. Recognized as “America’s Greenest CEO” and a self-described “Radical Industrialist,” Anderson co-chaired the President’s Council on Sustainable Development during the Clinton Administration. His achievements served as the subject of several films, including The 11th Hour and Beyond Zero, and his contributions to society continue to be recognized – in 2024, he was nominated for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Reflecting on Anderson’s legacy, retired Interface CEO Dan Hendrix stated, “Anderson’s relentless pursuit of innovation not only revolutionized the flooring industry—it reshaped our very approach to business.” Global Head of Corporate Communications at Interface, Christine Needles, added, “His visionary leadership built a culture of shared purpose, inspiring us daily to work toward a sustainable future.” Anderson’s enduring legacy continues through the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, his influential books Mid-Course Correction and Confessions of a Radical Industrialist, and Interface’s ongoing work to help solve the climate crisis and become carbon-negative by 2040.