SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has appointed Daniel Rüfenacht as chief executive officer of bluesign technologies ag, a member of the SGS Group. Rüfenacht is taking up the new role from June 1, 2021, after current CEO Jill Dumain embarks on a significant new role within SGS as global VP for Sustainability Solutions.

Based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Bluesign works with the entire textile value chain to eliminate harmful substances within the manufacturing process to minimise the impact on people and the environment. Established in 2000, Bluesign has become the leading sustainability solutions provider for environmentally friendly, safe and resource-efficient textile production with a global system partner network of chemical suppliers, manufacturers and brands.

Rüfenacht began his career with the Swiss government, identifying new market opportunities for sustainable trade from developing countries, and overseeing the development of the first sustainable label in Switzerland for the textile industry.

He went on to spend 10 years as executive director in a well-known textile company, transforming it from a traditional clothing company into a widely recognised, sustainable brand.

Joining SGS in 2008 as vice president of Corporate Sustainability, Rüfenacht was promoted to group vice president, Corporate Communications and Sustainability in 2017. In this role he had responsibility for sustainability management systems, the global sustainability programmes, brand and communications, achieving significant change and improvement in these areas.

Charles Ly Wa Hoi, executive vice president Connectivity & Products at SGS, said: "Daniel's extensive experience in sustainability will undoubtedly drive the company forward and lead the way in ensuring excellence in sustainable textile manufacturing.

"Bluesign is about finding solutions to both today's and tomorrow's social and environmental challenges and we are confident that Daniel's ambition and commitment to sustainability will continue to bring about the changes needed to reduce the environmental impact of textiles."

"As someone who has dedicated his career to the pursuit of sustainable practice aiming for zero impact in the industry, I feel very privileged to be embarking on this new role. I look forward with my team to galvanize suppliers, manufacturers and brands to reduce the overall footprint of the textile industry and enable a better, safer and more interconnected world," Rüfenacht said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)

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