Ray Anderson was an influential American businessman and environmentalist, best known as the founder and former CEO of Interface, Inc., a global manufacturer of modular carpet tiles. He was a pioneer in promoting sustainable business practices and aimed to reduce the environmental impact of his company. Under his leadership, Interface became a leader in sustainability within the flooring industry. Anderson's commitment to the environment was evident in his vision for a sustainable future, which he called "Mission Zero." This initiative aimed for Interface to have zero negative impact on the environment by 2020. His work inspired many other companies to adopt similar sustainable practices, making him a key figure in the corporate sustainability movement.