Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute announces leadership transition

Raab joined the Institute in September 2019 as Vice President, Strategy and Development. In this capacity she has been instrumental in strengthening the Institute’s external profile, strategic partnerships, programmatic offerings and internal capabilities. Raab has worked globally to advance responsible consumption and production practices throughout her career, including leadership roles at forefront sustainability consulting firms and organizations focused on driving circular transformation and sustainable development across global value chains. Raab conducted her PhD research in Materials Chemistry at the University of California Santa Barbara and holds a PhD from the Vienna University of Technology. Raab will lead the Institute from its offices in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Christina Raab as the next president and CEO of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute,” said Gerrit Bruggeman, Institute Board Chair. “Christina’s track record of driving transformative sustainability and circularity practices through leading voluntary global standards, market-based innovation, strategic partnerships and collaborations will ensure that the Institute is strongly positioned to continue its current trajectory of growth and success.”

“I am honored to step into the role of Institute President and CEO,” said Raab. “This is a pivotal moment for the global climate and social agenda, and the Institute has a powerful role to play in establishing Cradle to Cradle Certified as a universally enabling solution for a healthy, equitable and sustainable world powered by products and systems that are safe, circular and responsible. I look forward to continue working alongside the Institute’s board, staff and our global stakeholder community towards our shared vision of a positive future for people and our planet.”

The Institute will also continue to draw upon the expertise of its core technical team under the leadership of Dr. Susan Klosterhaus, along with the industry knowledge of the sector leadership team established by Raab to enable and accelerate the innovation and optimization of products in high-impact market sectors, including the built environment, apparel & footwear, cosmetics and personal care, household products, packaging and electronics.

Since joining the Institute as President and CEO in September 2018, Templeton has overseen the creation of the organization’s current strategic plan, and the development and deployment of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard Version 4.0, released earlier this year. The Institute has also experienced significant growth in the number of Cradle to Cradle Certified products and in its community of certification holders. Templeton will depart and Raab will assume her new role on 15 October 2021.

“We highly value Peter’s leadership of the Institute during the past three years,” Bruggeman said. “As a result of his leadership, the Institute is now strongly positioned to advance the scaling of Cradle to Cradle Certified as the global standard for products that are safe, circular and made for a positive future.”

“It has been an honor to serve as the Institute’s President and CEO, and to work with such a passionate and dedicated team,” said Templeton. “I am grateful for the support, collaboration and partnership of our staff, board and community during my tenure. Christina has earned our deepest respect over the past two years, and she is highly regarded for her technical knowledge, market understanding and utmost commitment to our mission. I look forward to continuing to support the Institute and to witnessing the organization’s further success under Christina’s leadership.”