Christina Raab to Lead Leather Working Group
The Leather Working Group appoints Christina Raab as its new chief executive officer starting on November 2, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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Christina Raab will assume the role of chief executive officer at the Leather Working Group on November 2, 2026. She joins the organization as it prepares for the upcoming launch of its new Sustainability System.
Why it matters
The appointment signals a leadership transition aimed at steering the organization through its planned introduction of a new sustainability framework in 2027.
The leadership change involves three key executives overseeing the transition, with the organization moving toward its 2027 rollout of a new Sustainability System.
The players
Christina Raab
She is the incoming chief executive officer of the Leather Working Group and formerly served as president and CEO of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.
Vanessa Podmore
She is the outgoing executive director of the Leather Working Group who will complete her tenure at the end of 2026.
Adam Hughes
He is the interim director who will participate in the leadership transition alongside the new chief executive officer.
Leather Working Group
This organization focuses on environmental standards for the leather manufacturing industry and manages global supply chain auditing.
The details
Raab will work closely with outgoing executive director Vanessa Podmore and interim director Adam Hughes during a transition period. Podmore is scheduled to leave the organization at the end of 2026 as Raab takes full control.
Timeline
Christina Raab becomes chief executive officer on November 2, 2026.
Vanessa Podmore departs the organization at the end of 2026.
The Leather Working Group will launch its new Sustainability System in 2027.
Market Landscape
The Leather Working Group's new Sustainability System follows a pattern set by the European Union Deforestation Regulation regarding stricter environmental traceability for global leather supply chains. This transition reflects a broader industry movement toward standardized audit protocols.
Customers and stakeholders in the supply chain can expect continued focus on environmental standards during the leadership transition. Companies using the organization's current benchmarks should prepare for updates as the new system launches in 2027.
The takeaway
The appointment of Raab positions the organization to prioritize its new sustainability initiatives throughout the upcoming fiscal year. Industry participants should monitor the transition for shifts in audit methodology as the 2027 launch approaches.
Further reading
For more information on industry leadership shifts, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FashionUnited.
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