The Timberland Co. appointed Mark Newton as vice president of corporate social responsibility. Newton joins Timberland following eight years with Dell, Inc., most recently serving as executive director of global sustainability.

In this new role, Newton will lead Timberland’s diverse global team responsible for managing the organization’s four areas of focus within CSR: environmental stewardship, global human rights, community engagement and transparency and reporting. Newton will report to Carrie Teffner, Timberland’s chief financial officer.

“It’s clear that Mark holds himself to the same high standards of responsible citizenship that Timberland does — and that will be key to driving our CSR strategy forward,” said Teffner. “His record of accomplishment and passion for integrating values into how a business operates are going to be an excellent fit here.”

Under Newton’s leadership, the Corporate Social Responsibility team will collaborate in support of Timberland’s long-range plan. Mark’s responsibilities will include:


  • Overseeing Timberland’s effort to demonstrate environmental leadership and reduce the company’s environmental impact as a global brand
  • Ensuring that the human rights standards set forth by the company’s Code of Conduct are adhered to and enforced by all Timberland vendors and suppliers worldwide
  • Creating a global standard for community service through innovation, regional relevance and employee engagement
  • Executing against Timberland’s commitment to transparency and reporting by engaging a diverse set of stakeholders
At Dell, Newton was responsible for balancing the company’s growth strategy to minimize impacts on natural and human resources across the value chain. During his tenure with Dell, he directed global policy development, stakeholder engagements and corporate strategies on environmental and social issues.

Prior to joining Dell, Newton led Environmental Technology programs at Apple and Motorola and was a principal scientist for DEKA Research and Development Corp. Newton holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry from Keene State College, a Master of Science and a Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Newton sits on the advisory boards of Clean Production Action, Carbonfund.org, and Austin Community College. He has an active service history with the Boy Scouts of America — having been a volunteer leader since 2005.

Newton and his family will relocate to the New Hampshire area.