New Leather Working Group CEO to Start in November
The appointment of Christina Raab will guide how companies prepare for the rollout of new sustainability standards in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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The Leather Working Group will appoint Christina Raab as its new chief executive officer, effective November 2, 2026. Raab will lead the organization as it prepares for the rollout of a new Sustainability System in 2027.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives as the organization transitions its operational framework, impacting how member companies navigate upcoming sustainability standards and certification requirements.
The transition involves the arrival of Christina Raab as CEO, with the departure of executive director Vanessa Podmore following a period of shared oversight alongside interim director Adam Hughes. These changes support the 2027 implementation of a new industry Sustainability System.
The players
Christina Raab
An experienced executive in product innovation who previously led the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute and held leadership roles at ZDHC.
Leather Working Group
An international organization that sets environmental and sustainability standards for the leather industry.
Vanessa Podmore
The outgoing executive director who will complete her tenure at the organization at the end of 2026.
Adam Hughes
The organization's interim director involved in the leadership transition period.
The details
Raab will assume leadership responsibilities, working alongside Podmore and Hughes throughout the remainder of the year. This transition ensures continuity before the organization executes its strategic shift to a new Sustainability System in 2027, which will dictate future compliance metrics for members.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Christina Raab officially assumes the role of chief executive officer.
End of 2026: Outgoing executive director Vanessa Podmore departs the organization.
2027: The Leather Working Group launches its new Sustainability System.
Market Landscape
Raab brings experience from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute to guide the Leather Working Group through a parallel phase of sustainability standard evolution. This move mirrors broader trends in supply chain management where certification bodies are increasingly aligning standards with holistic circularity goals.
Operators in the leather supply chain should monitor the upcoming 2027 Sustainability System requirements, as these updates will likely change certification processes. Companies should audit their current compliance status against existing standards before the new framework takes effect next year.
The takeaway
The leadership transition marks a strategic pivot toward new environmental benchmarks for the global leather sector. Members should monitor official communications from the organization for technical guidance on the 2027 system implementation.
Further reading
For more on shifts in industry leadership, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FashionUnited.
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