Sole Tech Names New Eco Chief
Roian Atwood, a key executive who previously was in charge of American Apparel’s environmental initiatives, has left the company and accepted a similar position with Lake Forest, Calif.–based Sole Technology Inc., maker of the etnies, eacute;S, Emerica, Altamont and ThirtyTwo footwear and snowboard brands.
Atwood is officially Sole Tech’s manager of environmental affairs, a new position. Sole Technologies is one of the more environmentally conscious action-sports brands. It has more than 600 solar panels on the roof of its Orange County, Calif., headquarters and has launched the Etnies SEED Project, a new line of sustainable footwear and apparel.
“For the past several years, Sole Technology has been making strides in eco-business practices and now, more than ever, we are implementing an aggressive company-wide sustainability strategy in which Roian is going to help lead and take to that next level,” said Pierre Andre Senizergues, chief executive officer of Sole Technology.
As part of his new position, Atwood will implement new environmental technology projects and assist footwear and apparel research and development teams in making products as non-toxic and environmentally friendly as possible. He will also make sure the company’s headquarters is LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Atwood was American Apparel’s director of sustainability and successfully designed and implemented various environmental technology projects during his three-year tenure.
—Robert McAllister
