Leather Working Group appoints Christina Raab as CEO

The Leather Working Group (LWG) has appointed Dr Christina Raab as chief executive officer, effective November 2.

Raab will work alongside outgoing executive director Vanessa Podmore and interim director Adam Hughes during a transition period, ahead of Podmore’s departure at the end of the year.

Raab joins from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, where she most recently served as president and CEO. She previously led global implementation and market transformation at ZDHC, and earlier held leadership roles at sustainability advisory firms.

“I have long admired the scientific rigor and technical expertise of LWG, and the commitment of its global community to advancing a more responsible leather industry. I am delighted to join the organisation at such a crucial time in its evolution, when credible standards, robust assurance, and measurable action are more important than ever. 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,” said Raab.

LWG board chair David Wright said: “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. We are delighted to welcome Dr Raab and look forward to her leadership in the continued advancement of our strategic priorities.”

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