The Leather Working Group (LWG) has appointed Dr Christina Raab as Chief Executive Officer, effective 2 November 2026. She will succeed outgoing Executive Director Vanessa Podmore, who is expected to leave the organisation at the end of the year.
Dr Raab will work alongside Podmore and Interim Director Adam Hughes during a transition period to ensure leadership continuity and a smooth handover.
Raab most recently served as President and CEO of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, where she worked to advance the adoption of circular, safe and responsible products and materials. Previously, she led global implementation and market transformation at ZDHC, driving environmental progress across the fashion sector. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at sustainability advisory firms, assisting organisations across different sectors and regions with the integration of sustainability into business operations and strategies.
“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,” said David Wright, Board Chair of the LWG.
Commenting on her new role, Raab said she has long admired the organisation’s scientific rigour, technical expertise and the commitment of its community 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,” Raab stated.
Her appointment comes as the LWG prepares to introduce its new Sustainability System in 2027, building on membership growth, the adoption of its audit protocols and value-chain collaboration.
