Raab will assume her new role on 15 October 2021, the company said in a statement.

Raab has worked globally to advance responsible consumption and production practices throughout her career, including leadership roles at forefront sustainability consulting firms and organisations focused on driving circular transformation and sustainable development across global value chains.

She conducted her PhD research in Materials Chemistry at the University of California Santa Barbara and holds a PhD from the Vienna University of Technology. Raab will lead the Institute from its offices in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr Christina Raab as the next president and CEO of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute,” said Gerrit Bruggeman, Institute Board Chair. “Christina’s track record of driving transformative sustainability and circularity practices through leading voluntary global standards, market-based innovation, strategic partnerships and collaborations will ensure that the Institute is strongly positioned to continue its current trajectory of growth and success.”

“I am honoured to step into the role of Institute president and CEO,” said Raab. “This is a pivotal moment for the global climate and social agenda, and the Institute has a powerful role to play in establishing Cradle to Cradle Certified as a universally enabling solution for a healthy, equitable and sustainable world powered by products and systems that are safe, circular and responsible. I look forward to continue working alongside the Institute’s board, staff and our global stakeholder community towards our shared vision of a positive future for people and our planet.”

The Institute will also continue to draw upon the expertise of its core technical team under the leadership of Dr Susan Klosterhaus, along with the industry knowledge of the sector leadership team established by Raab to enable and accelerate the innovation and optimisation of products in high-impact market sectors, including apparel and footwear.

“It has been an honor to serve as the Institute’s President and CEO, and to work with such a passionate and dedicated team,” said Peter Templeton. “I am grateful for the support, collaboration and partnership of our staff, board and community during my tenure. Christina has earned our deepest respect over the past two years, and she is highly regarded for her technical knowledge, market understanding and utmost commitment to our mission. I look forward to continuing to support the Institute and to witnessing the organisation’s further success under Christina’s leadership.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)