Recycled leather company Gen Phoenix hired a chief revenue officer and a chief strategy officer this month, according to a press release.
Lisa Conway was named chief revenue officer and will lead the company’s sales team as well as spearhead its transport seating business. She joins the company after 17 years at flooring firm Interface, per the release.
Meanwhile, LaTres Jarrett was named chief strategy officer. In the role, she will focus on developing growth opportunities for Gen Phoenix in its existing and adjacent markets. She most recently worked at Bridgestone Tires for about seven years, and previously worked for PepsiCo.
Both positions are newly created, and the company is positioning the hires as a step toward its commitment to accelerating innovation in the circular materials industry.
Conway will be based in Philadelphia, and Jarrett will be based in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Their combined experience in sustainability, sales leadership, and strategic growth will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in key markets and push the boundaries of what’s possible in transforming leather waste into recycled and reimagined materials,” John Kennedy, Gen Phoenix CEO, said in the release.
Gen Phoenix’s tech turns leather waste into new raw material formed from leather fibers. The company says the material has similar characteristics to traditional leather but has an 85% lower carbon footprint. The material initially debuted in the mass transportation seating category, but has recently expanded into fashion.
The company partnered with Dr. Martens earlier this year on a line of boots made with the material. It additionally partnered with Tapestry-owned Coach on its subbrand Coachtopia.
Both Dr. Martens and Tapestry are some of Gen Phoenix’s investors. Last year, the brands participated in the company’s $18 million funding round to support the development of its material.
The company is looking to expand its business both in terms of markets and in brand partners, Kennedy previously said in an interview with Fashion Dive.
