Peter Thum
Peter Thum | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | Founder of Ethos Water, Giving Water, Fonderie 47, Liberty United |
| Spouse | Cara Buono |
| Children | 1 |
Peter Thum is an American entrepreneur recognized for founding multiple companies and charitable organizations. He is most notably credited with establishing the brand Ethos Water and leading it as president until its acquisition by Starbucks.
Early career and education
Thum completed his undergraduate studies in government at Claremont McKenna College in 1990. Following the Berlin Wall's fall, he relocated to Berlin. Subsequently, he obtained an MBA from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Ethos Water
During a 2001 consulting assignment in South Africa with McKinsey & Company, Thum witnessed firsthand the lack of access to clean water and sanitation in local communities. This experience motivated him to establish Ethos Water.<ref>He led the company as president until its 2005 purchase by Starbucks. Between 2005 and 2008, he held the position of vice president at Starbucks, overseeing Ethos alongside other initiatives, while also managing philanthropic efforts through the Starbucks Foundation.<ref>
Giving Water
In 2008, Thum created the nonprofit organization Giving Water, dedicated to supporting programs that deliver water, sanitation, and hygiene education to disadvantaged children. The initiative has benefited more than 6,000 students in Kenya.
Fonderie 47
Co-founding Fonderie 47 in 2009, Thum serves as its leader. The organization focuses on converting assault rifles into luxury items such as jewelry, watches, and accessories, with the goal of diminishing the circulation and consequences of small arms.
Liberty United
Thum initiated Liberty United in 2013, collaborating with U.S. communities and law enforcement agencies to transform illegal firearms and bullet casings into jewelry and other accessories. The revenue supports programs tackling gun violence through academic enrichment, sports, arts education, and vocational training for young people. Actor Mark Ruffalo was a supporter during the project's launch.
Other work
Thum provides strategic advice to businesses and nonprofits on topics including expansion, marketing strategies, corporate social responsibility, fundraising efforts, and new venture development. He is a frequent speaker on issues intersecting business and social impact at various conferences and media outlets. Additionally, Thum holds board memberships with organizations focused on service and social change such as FEED Projects, The Starbucks Foundation, The Fund for Global Human Rights, USA for UNHCR, Impossible to Possible, The Center for Human Rights at Claremont McKenna College, The Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Deans Council, and Tactivate.
Awards and recognition
In April 2017, Thum was honored with the For the Love of Children award by Children’s Home & Aid of Illinois.
His work was prominently featured in December 2015 within a global advertising campaign for the Cross Pen Company.
In September 2015, Thum appeared in an international advertising campaign for UBS, captured by photographer Annie Leibovitz.
Levi Strauss & Co. showcased him in October 2014 as part of their Unzipped series highlighting innovators.
In April 2012, he received the Disruptive Innovation Award from the Tribeca Film Festival in conjunction with the Disruptor Foundation.
Personal life
Since 2010, Thum has lived in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, with his wife, actress Cara Buono, and their daughter.