ZDHC Foundation Appointed Stefan Seidel Chief Impact Officer
The ZDHC Foundation has named Stefan Seidel to lead impact, succeeding outgoing team member Scott Echols.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
The ZDHC Foundation has appointed Stefan Seidel as its new chief impact officer. He steps into the role following the departure of Scott Echols, who served the organization for 11 years.
Why it matters
Seidel arrives to advance the connection between chemical management strategies and measurable environmental outcomes. His appointment signals a continued organizational focus on scaling sustainable industry practices.
Stefan Seidel joins after 10 years leading PUMA's sustainability function, while Scott Echols departs after an 11-year tenure at ZDHC. The impact of their respective tenures on organizational growth remains a key performance marker.
The players
Stefan Seidel
The new chief impact officer at ZDHC who previously chaired the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
Scott Echols
An outgoing ZDHC team member credited with developing the organization's chemical management impact strategy.
ZDHC Foundation
A global organization focused on driving sustainable chemical management within the textile, leather, and footwear industries.
The details
Seidel, who previously served on the ZDHC Board, brings a background in environmental engineering and management to the organization. He is tasked with refining the strategies previously established by Echols for managing sustainable chemical use.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Leadership change announced
11 years: Total tenure of Scott Echols at ZDHC
10 years: Duration of Stefan Seidel's role at PUMA
Market Landscape
The appointment of a high-profile sustainability leader like Seidel reflects the broader industry shift toward integrating environmental accountability into core operational strategies. This transition underscores how organizations are prioritizing leadership expertise to navigate increasing regulatory and climate-related demands.
The transition in leadership is expected to evolve the organization's standards for sustainable chemical management across the supply chain. Stakeholders and industry partners should monitor for potential updates to compliance protocols or reporting metrics.
The takeaway
The move highlights the critical role of specialized environmental engineering expertise in contemporary corporate sustainability leadership. Organizations now prioritize candidates who can bridge the gap between abstract climate goals and technical, on-the-ground implementation.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership developments in the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fibre2fashion.
