Dive Brief:
- Sustainable materials company Modern Meadow has promoted David Williamson to CEO, according to a press release Monday.
- Williamson will transition to the CEO role from his current position of president and COO effective Oct. 14. He joined the company in 2015.
- Williamson succeeds Catherine Roggero-Lovisi, who stepped down in February. Roggero-Lovisi remains an advisor to the company, according to her LinkedIn.
Dive Insight:
Modern Meadow has tasked Williamson with executing the company’s strategic growth plan to expand innovation in biofabricated materials while focusing on performance, sustainability and design.
Prior to joining Modern Meadow, Williamson spent nearly 8 years at DuPont, where he held various leadership roles including chief of staff to the chief of science and technology officer, according to his LinkedIn.
Modern Meadow makes an alternative leather hide material called Bio-Vera, which it says gives the look and feel of regular leather but with 90% more sustainable content. It also makes another leather alternative, called Bio-Tex.
In the release, Williamson said the company’s mission was to commercialize its materials, specifically Bio-Vera, and build up manufacturing capacity to meet demand from fashion brands and tanneries.
“Modern Meadow is at a pivotal stage — one in which we are building on our major production milestone to produce 500,000 square meters per year of our Bio-Vera,” Williamson said. “This milestone highlights the market readiness and cost-efficiency of Bio-Vera.”
Modern Meadow has looked to expand its presence in Europe and add "refreshed brand messaging" in collaboration with partners to increase awareness of Bio-Vera.
The company has partnered with Tory Burch on the Ella Bio bag, which was made from the company’s Bio-Tex material. It similarly collaborated with Everlane on a tote bag, also made with Bio-Tex.
