Merchants Fleet announced on Feb. 20 that Ted Lague, the company's director of ESG & sustainability, has been named to the 2023 class of “40 Under Forty” by the New Hampshire Union Leader.

In its 22nd year, this recognition celebrates young professionals who have made significant professional and personal contributions toward making New Hampshire a better place to live and work, according to the announcement. 

Lague joined Merchants in 2021, where he oversees the company’s ESG strategy and programs. His accomplishments include the creation of Merchants’ first-ever corporate ESG report, a comprehensive community giving program, and a corporate vendor diversity program designed to encourage the use of small, local businesses that are diversely owned, and operate within socially responsible business practices.  

“Thanks to Ted’s commitment, ESG is now firmly at the heart of everything we do at Merchants,” said Amanda Rogers, VP of marketing, ESG and innovation at Merchants Fleet. “Ted’s passion for 'doing well while doing good’ is contagious, and he’s been instrumental in leading efforts at Merchants to make a positive impact on our communities, our people, and our business. We are beyond fortunate to have someone so driven and innovative on our team.” 

A total of 18 women and 22 men were named to the 2023 40 Under Forty class. Nominations began last fall, requiring nominees to be younger than 40 years old and a resident of New Hampshire for the last three years.

An awards ceremony will be held on March 8, 2023, at the Capitol Center of the Arts in Concord. A full list of this year’s winners can be found online.