Ron Gonen
Ron is the Founder and CEO of Closed Loop Partners, a firm focused on building the circular economy. Closed Loop Partners manages capital for leading consumer goods companies, technology companies, retailers, financial institutions, family offices and endowments focused on investments that seek strong financial returns and tangible social impact.
Prior to Closed Loop Partners, Ron was the Deputy Commissioner of Sanitation, Recycling and Sustainability in New York City in the Bloomberg Administration. He oversaw the collection and processing of NYC’s paper, metal, glass, plastic, textile waste, electronic waste, organics, and hazardous waste as well as public policy. In 2013, NRDC and Earth Day New York named Ron as the Public Official of the Year in New York City.
During his career, Ron has been recognized with a number of business and environmental awards including recognition as a ‘Champion of the Earth’ by the United Nations Environment Program which is the highest distinction for environmental protection given by the United Nations and recognizes outstanding visionaries and leaders in the fields of policy, science and entrepreneurship and the Medal of Excellence from Columbia University which recognizes alumnus under the age of 45 for excellence in scholarship, public service and professional life The companies that he has led have been recognized as innovators in sustainable business practices. Recognitions include The Conference of Mayors – Public/Private Partnership of the Year, Technology Pioneer from the World Economic Forum and the Wall Street Journal’s #1 Venture Backed Cleantech Company of The Year.
Ron is the author of a number of patents in the areas of technology and environmental science.
Ron received his MBA from Columbia Business School. He returned to Columbia as an Adjunct Professor for several years. His first book, The Waste-Free World, was published by Penguin Random House in 2022.