For over a century, people have relied on Forbes as a stalwart and respected source of business news reporting, and its prominent award lists and rankings are a showcase of excellence. In 2024, Forbes launched a new category, the Forbes Sustainability Leaders list, honoring 50 individuals whose decisive leadership is navigating and accelerating a new global climate economy amid a backdrop of uncertainty, economic challenges, and amplification of misinformation. Monarch CEO, Praveen Penmetsa, is one of those individuals.
Advancing Sustainability
This year’s roster includes an impressive list of movers and shakers who are advancing efforts and developing technologies that help society preserve valuable research, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect vulnerable environments, and change how corporations are engaging with natural resources. Penmetsa’s visionary guidance with Monarch Tractor is ushering in a new era of farming by reimagining the compact tractor.
Monarch’s MK-V is the world’s first 100% electric, driver-optional, and data-driven tractor. Its advanced technology is giving farmers access to cleaner, more efficient, and profitable farming while strengthening a healthier global food network and food security. As of summer 2025, the MK-V fleet has abated an estimated 2,700 metric tons of CO2.
I am driven to fight the fights that need fighting, not just the ones that can be won, and few are harder than improving land sustainability and food security.
Praveen Penmetsa, CEO, Monarch
Critical Evaluation
The Forbes Sustainability Leaders 2025 honorees were selected with the guidance of a panel of accomplished judges:
- Laurene Powell Jobs, Impact Investor
- Jane Fonda, Actor-Activist
- Tom Steyer, Climate Financier
- Jigar Shah, Clean Energy Entrepreneur
- Charlot Magay, Social Impact Founder
- Ester Baiget, Biotech CEO
These individuals curated a list to prove how breakthrough ideas and targeted investment deliver measurable progress.
When the sustainable choice is also the smart choice, the future becomes obvious. What’s left is the courage to deliver it.
Tom Steyer, Forbes Sustainability Leaders 2025 Panel Judge
Penmetsa’s inclusion further validates Monarch’s contributions to a collective effort proving that a sustainable economy and climate progress can not only be realized but surpass expectations.
