The Leather Working Group (LWG) has appointed Dr Christina Raab as Chief Executive Officer effective 2 November 2026. She will succeed the organisation’s outgoing Executive Director Vanessa Podmore who is expected to leave at the end of the year.

Dr Christina Raab will work alongside Vanessa Podmore and Interim Director Adam Hughes during a transition period to ensure continuity of leadership and a smooth handover.

She most recently served as President and CEO of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute where she worked to advance the adoption of safe, circular and responsible products and materials.

Previously she led global implementation and market transformation at ZDHC, driving environmental progress across the fashion industry. Earlier in her career she also held leadership positions at sustainability advisory firms, helping organisations integrate sustainability into their business strategies and operations across different sectors and regions.

“Dr Raab is a highly respected leader in sustainability and innovation, she brings a strong track record of shaping industry standards, building influential global partnerships and leading mission-driven organisations through growth and transformation.”

– David Wright, Board Chair, LWG

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Christina Raab said she has long admired LWG’s scientific rigour, technical expertise and global community’s commitment to advancing a more responsible leather industry.

“I look forward to leading LWG in delivering lasting value for its members and to working collaboratively across the wider LWG ecosystem to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the industry.”

– Dr Christina Raab, CEO, LWG

Her appointment comes as LWG prepares to launch its new Sustainability System in 2027 building on membership growth, the adoption of its protocols and collaboration across the global leather value chain.

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