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Thank you for joining us in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 14-15, 2025 for Cascale’s largest forum to date!
By bringing together manufacturers, brands, NGOs, and policymakers, this event, formerly known as the Manufacturer Forum, tackled the industry’s most critical challenges and drove actionable solutions that propel the consumer goods industry toward its shared sustainability goals.
Colin Browne is CEO of Cascale, a global nonprofit alliance catalyzing collective action toward equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. The organization spans over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, industry associations, and NGO or nonprofit affiliates. Cascale’s membership includes apparel, footwear, home furnishings, sporting and outdoor goods, and bags and luggage companies.
Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, used by 24,000 worldwide. Browne has a wealth of global experience in supply chains and both brand and factory management. Prior to joining Cascale, he was Interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Under Armour, a Cascale member. Browne also served on the boards of the American Apparel and Footwear Association and the World Federation of Sporting Goods Industries; he continues to serve as a board member at Worldly, the leader in environmental and social impact data for the apparel and footwear industry and the exclusive platform for Cascale’s Higg Index tools.
His business-oriented approach centers on sustainability and his focus at Cascale is scaling supplier-focused initiatives and driving accountability in the consumer goods industry. Along with his passion for supply chains, Colin is a proud husband, grandfather, and father of three children. He resides in the US though can be found internationally, visiting family in the UK, meeting the growing Cascale team and even squeezing in a triathlon.
VITAS is a socio-professional organization established on the basis of voluntariness and equality of organizations and individuals of all economic sectors operating in the fields of production, export, consumption, services in textile & garment of Vietnam.
VITAS has been working closely with enterprises and the Government in making strategies and development programs for the whole industry, actively participating in the activities of international and regional textile and garment organizations. In particular, VITAS effectively coordinates with ministries, domestic and foreign organizations in mobilizing foreign investment in the textile and garment industry in Vietnam, promoting export markets, combating trade barriers, carrying out international trade promotion programs and building image of the Vietnamese fashion industry, contributing positively to build Vietnam’s textile brand: Quality – Social responsibility – Eco-friendly to the global market.
Ms. Leonie Vaas is currently working as the General Manager Group Sustainability at Hirdaramani Apparels for Sri Lanka/ Vietnam/ Bangladesh & Ethiopia. She has 15 years of expertise in the textile industry, She is the United Nations SDG pioneer 2021 for Responsible Production. One out of ten in the world and marks the first occasion in which a Sri Lankan representative has been selected as a SDG pioneer. She was also named one of the Asia’s Sustainability Superwomen in 2022.
She is reading her PhD in sustainable management .She is a chemical Engineer by profession obtained from Engineering Council UK and completed her MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University UK. She holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in the Manufacturing sector. She is a certified professional for GRI standard and Lead auditor for ISO14001.
She is a visiting lecturer for sustainability at Faculty of Engineering – University of Moratuwa
Scott Raskin is the CEO of Worldly, where he champions the idea that impactful change springs from actionable measures. Leveraging years of leadership experience in tech companies, he steers Worldly toward sustainable growth, providing brands, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers with solutions to enhance their positive environmental and social impact.
Scott’s commitment to results and customer satisfaction positions Worldly as an essential platform for consumer goods companies seeking to lessen their footprint, adhere to regulations, and promote transparency. His management style, deeply rooted in valuing people and culture, inspires creativity and teamwork. Guided by a firm resolve to create significant change, Scott’s leadership shapes Worldly’s contribution to a more responsible corporate world.
Scott is focused on leading the evolution and expansion of Worldly’s platform to include new capabilities, innovations, and automation to empower sustainability-minded companies to analyze, understand, report, and improve their supply chain and product impacts.
As the EVP of Growth Initiatives at Worldly, Adele Stafford oversees the team responsible for customer excellence including Customer Success and Account Management.
Adele brings twenty years of experience working at the nexus of design, technology and strategy toWorldly. Prior to joining Worldly, Adele was the VP of Accounts for Blue State, a digital marketing and communications agency who partners with leading causes, companies and campaigns. Her client roster included Google, Monterey Bay Aquarium (Seafood Watch), UCSF, and Participant Media.
At Frog Design, Adele was a Director of Client Services, overseeing account growth and business strategy for key clients including Procter & Gamble, Hewlett Packard, and General Electric. She also spent time working in a marketing strategy role for organizations like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Adele is a practicing studio artist and hand weaver whose work is deeply rooted in sustainable fiber agriculture. Over the past ten years, this work has culminated in a project called Voices of Industry, asurvey of the cultural and agricultural context that informs our domestic textile supply chain.
Adele is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Art and Simmons College with a Master of Business Administration.
Ali Mansur has more than 18 years in TIC Industry (Testing, Inspection and Certification). His area of expertise including Quality, Environmental & Health Safety management system, GHG calculation, ESG Assurance, and Sustainable Tourism.
He is now serving as PM Sustainability Asia Pacific (A.02 – Customized Services) TUV Rheinland Indonesia
As Executive Vice President, Andrew is responsible for delivering strategic and operational leadership for the organization. While continuing to oversee the Membership, Stakeholder Engagement, Collective Action, and Public Affairs teams, as second-in-command at Cascale he is responsible for driving growth of the organization to ensure it can scale impact and deliver value to members. This involves broader strategic development of the organization, including into new verticals / adjacent product categories, development of new revenue streams, and expansions of key partnerships.
Prior to joining Cascale, Andrew was at amfori, the leading business association for open and sustainable trade, where, as VP Services, he was responsible for global operational activities. In addition to a strategic role in the development of the vision and strategy of the organization, Andrew managed membership services, led the implementation of global social and environmental audit assessments, including launching a pioneering audit integrity program, and also the largest capacity building program of its kind for social and environmental performance in global supply chains.
Andrew has a degree in philosophy and theology from King’s College London, an MBA with distinction from the University of Exeter, where he was awarded ‘Dissertation most likely to change global thinking,’ and a postgraduate qualification in team coaching, from UWE, Bristol. During his extensive career, including more than 20 years in global textile manufacturing, Andrew has worked for a multi-national corporation, his own consultancy, and more recently in the education and non-profit sectors.
A highlight of his work and interest is the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, and its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, an alternative progressive values-based model for measuring and guiding economic, societal, and personal well-being. He is currently based in the seaside town of Looe in Cornwall in the Southwest of England.
Annabel Meurs is a passionate and longstanding advocate for sustainability and human rights in global garment and footwear supply chains. With a career dedicated to improving the lives of the people who make our clothes, Annabel works tirelessly to drive meaningful change across the industry.
A natural convener, Annabel is committed to uniting diverse stakeholders—from brands and factories to workers, trade unions, NGOs, and industry influencers—to accelerate the shift towards safe, dignified, and fairly paid employment in global value chains. She believes deeply in the power of collaboration, recognising that only by bringing together key players can we build the critical mass necessary to create lasting, sustainable impact.
Annabel is known for developing practical, actionable solutions that enable brands to adapt their business practices, build more resilient supply chains, and ultimately drive greater respect for workers’ rights. She has guided numerous global garment brands in strengthening their due diligence processes and aligning their operations with the highest standards of social responsibility.
As the Executive Director at Fair Wear, Annabel oversees the strategic development the organisation. She played a pivotal role in the creation of the Brand Performance Check, a system that assesses brands’ progress in fulfilling their due diligence obligations. In addition to her work at Fair Wear, Annabel represents the MSI Caucus on the SLCP Supervisory Board, where she advocates for industry-wide improvements in labor conditions.
Before joining Fair Wear, Annabel worked extensively in development aid, advocacy, and conflict prevention at organizations like Hivos and the European Centre for Conflict Prevention, gaining a wealth of experience in navigating complex global challenges and driving social impact.
Bernadette has around 25 years in structured finance and strategic advisory experience of which more than 20 years’ experience in impact investment advisory. She is an experienced fund manager, impact investment advisor and fundraiser, with a vast experience as Director and Board Member in emerging market/impact funds. Bernadette established FOUNT in 2013 jointly with Bob Assenberg and developed a portfolio of 4 impact investment funds under management, including the Good Fashion Fund, plus a steady deal flow of advisory assignments. For the Good Fashion Fund, Bernadette is the Director and serves in the Investment Committee. She was nominated as Top 50 woman in sustainable finance of the Netherlands in 2022 and 2023.
Bien Vu is the Strategy Director at Leadership & Sustainability, where he is responsible for business development and supply chain service in Southeast Asia. With over 16 years of experience in chemical testing, environmental management, and sustainability development for the industry, he is a recognized expert in his field. He is also a Higg FEM Chemical Specialist Verifier, Higg FEM Trainer, ZDHC Accredited Trainer, and ZDHC Supplier-to-Zero Reviewer.
In addition, Bien Vu serves as the Strategy Director for TFL, leading the development and implementation of sustainability projects. He is recognized as an environmental expert and chemical advisor for the FABRIC and IGS projects of GIZ. As a founding member of the To The Finish Line program (2022–2024), he played a key role in its development. He has also contributed to the Climate Action Training program and served as the technical team leader for the Chemical Management Initiative (2021–2024), driving improvements in environmental and chemical management within the fashion industry.
Bryant LaPres serves as Senior Director of Industry Engagement for Aii, where he is responsible for leading the team that establishes, maintains and builds Aii’s partnerships with global brands, manufacturers and stakeholders. In this role, he develops and manages projects, strategies and tools for industry partners, working towards environmental impact goals, while maintaining visibility across Aii’s programs to grow results for environmental impact and revenue for Aii.
Prior to joining Aii, Bryant has worked in a number of roles during his 15-year career. He previously owned and managed a tool and die business supporting the automotive, medical and furniture industries. Bryant also spent seven years leading sustainability projects, which included materiality, strategy and goal setting, external reporting, stakeholder engagement, and innovative business models around the circular economy for Target Corporation. Bryant began his career working on risk management and due diligence for banks and developers with a focus on energy and capital reserve planning.
Professional Engineer in Thermal Engineering – HCM City University of TechnologyOver 10 years of experience in designing and implementing thermal systems (heating & cooling) and utility systems.
Cecilia Chan is the Chief Commercial Officer of Legend Swimwear Factory. Legend is a full-suite swimwear provider for world famous brands and retailers.
Legend started as a swimwear factory in 1995. Founded in Hong Kong, originally focusing on the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) business, Legend has since grown to become the trusted swimwear delivery partner for world famous fashion brands and retailers. With production plants in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Legend delivers not just cut & sewn for 15 million units of swimwear each year, but also a full-suite of swimwear solutions. Legend has deep expertise in swimwear execution, fashion forward design capability, water and air treatment for fabric printing, virtual 3D sampling, and sustainable manufacturing advisory.
Cecilia has a background in management consulting and a specialisation in organisational change management. Her career spans across the fashion & apparel, aviation, insurance, hospitality & entertainment, telecommunications, and government industries. She is passionate about sustainable and purpose-driven fashion. She helps organisations lower the negative environmental impact of apparel manufacturing whilst staying commercially relevant in the market.
A sustainability specialist with a solid 20-year experience in fabric production, sustainability planning and management, research and development in the textile industry. Over the years, have been working in MNCs, Chinese enterprise, public-listed companies at different management positions and recently focus on environmental improvement and climate topics.
I’m currently working in a fashion women’s footwear factory in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where I’ve been in a management role for the past 10 years. My work has focused on product development, quality control, and supply chain/ customer coordination.
Chi Phan leads community-driven initiatives in Vietnam, including To the Finish Line (TFL) and Waste No More. These programs promote collective action and practical learning in sustainability and circularity within the apparel and footwear sectors. With over 20 years of industry experience, she now serves as a private sector partner and technical advisor for GIZ, focusing on co-creating scalable solutions that meet industry needs.
Chu Ching is a coordinator of the Decarbonization Program at Cascale. She ensures that Cascale’s collective action strategy and programs are planned, implemented, and monitored, while also collaborating with the program team, Higg Index team, and global membership team to conduct research, respond quickly to member inquiries, and update communication platforms. She is based in Hong Kong.
Prior to joining Cascale, Chu worked as sustainability development assistant at Allied Sustainability And Environmental Consultants Group Limited. She was specialized in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) consulting, green building, and decarbonization strategies planning. She graduated with a master’s degree in environmental management from the University of Hong Kong.
Chu enjoys public engagement that enhances people’ environmental awareness. Besides joining regular beach cleaning, Chu designed and launched an online educational game-based project to educate the public about local agriculture in Hong Kong recently. The program drew 16,000 site visitors in two months and the project was covered by the local newspapers.
As a seasoned professional with over 14 years dedicated to compliance, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability, I bring a deep understanding of the apparel manufacturing landscape to the Cascale Forum. At Maxport Limited (Viet Nam), an apparel manufacturer and exporter, I oversee internal compliance monitoring and drive beyond-compliance programs, ensuring rigorous adherence to national laws, international standards, and the diverse compliance standards of our brand partners. This hands-on experience provides me with a unique perspective on the practical challenges and opportunities manufacturers face in implementing sustainable practices to support Decent Work for All and Combat Climate Change.
My background extends beyond internal operations, encompassing work with NGOs and renowned assessment and verification bodies, fostering a holistic understanding of social and environmental impact. My academic foundation, including a Master’s in Sustainable Business from the University of Otago, New Zealand and a Bachelor’s in Economics and International Business from Foreign Trade University, Vietnam, equips me with the strategic acumen necessary to navigate the complexities of sustainable development. I am committed to advancing human rights, improving livelihoods, and championing sustainable development within the apparel sector, offering a valuable manufacturer’s voice to the Cascale Forum.
Duc Nguyen currently serves as Head of Policy, Vietnam for the Asia Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC), where he leads policy advocacy and regulatory engagement to accelerate corporate clean energy procurement. He brings a strong background in clean energy promotion mechanisms, particularly Direct Power Purchase Agreements (DPPA), and works closely with government agencies, corporates, and ACEC members to translate market feedback into actionable policy recommendations that advance clean energy adoption.
Previously, Duc was a Senior Clean Energy Advisor for USAID’s Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program II (V-LEEP II), where he supported the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) in designing Vietnam’s DPPA pilot, scaling rooftop solar, and exploring battery storage applications. He led private sector engagement, targeting over 2,000 MW of clean energy projects toward financial closure and driving adoption across 20+ industrial zones and multinational supply chains.
Duong Dang is the Programme Director of To the Finish Line (TFL), a not-for-profit initiative that evolved from GIZ’s environmental programs to advance sustainability and circularity in Vietnam’s supply chains through partnership-building and collaborative solutions. With over nine years of experience in the development sector, Duong brings a participatory, manufacturer-centred approach to promote environmental sustainability in the industry.
Duong Thi Viet Anh is a seasoned development professional with nearly 20 years of experience, including 15 years specializing in the garment industry. As the Director of SDD Service and Consultancy Co., Ltd and the Country Manager of Fair Wear in Vietnam, she works closely with suppliers and member brands to identify and mitigate risks in the garment supply chain through capacity building and dialogue. Her work focuses on fostering equitable partnerships between suppliers and brands, promoting meaningful multi-stakeholder engagement across the entire supply chain, and coordinating initiatives to drive sustainable development in the industry.
Eric is an award-winning leader of global renewable energy and clean-tech initiatives at Fortune 500 companies. He started Ren after his time as Director of Renewable Energy at Nike resulted in the 2018 SCTI #1 ranking in corporate renewables (tied with Apple). Before Nike, Eric developed wind projects worldwide for Goldwind and worked on supply chain clean tech projects for Procter & Gamble focused on materials circularity.
Eunice Doan is currently the Country Representative for the Project Development Programme (PDP) at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. In her role, she oversees the implementation of activities in line with the PDP operation plan for Vietnam in the fields of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
The PDP combines development cooperation with entrepreneurial engagement from the private sector to promote climate-friendly energy solutions. It is an integral part of the German Energy Solutions Initiative, coordinated and financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). PDP provides free and neutral advice primarily to local companies and facilitate connections with German or European small and mid-sized companies. Additionally, the PDP offers business initiation opportunities, training courses, analyses, and studies on the risks and potential of renewable energies to support market development.
Eunice holds a Master Degree (M.Sc) in Urban Management from Technische Universität Berlin.
Fairooz Shahana, currently holding the position of Chief Strategy Officer, Governance Strategy, Business Assurance, and Organizational Quality Management System at GSCS International Ltd., has diverse work experience spanning over 7 years. Fairooz began her career in the field of auditing and assessment of Social, Environmental, Governance and Supply-chain.Prior to this position, Fairooz held the position of Global Program Manager of Product Certification and Environmental Sustainability Program, Head of Internal Audit, and Auditor for Social & Environmental Programs within the same company.Fairooz has academic background in Legal Studies and Environmental Management.
With more than 18 years of experience as a lecturer at Foreign Trade University, Mr. Bao is currently the dean in charge of the Faculty of Law. As a well-trained person in the field of law and business from bachelor to post graduate level, Mr. Bao is very knowledgeable about the operation of Vietnamese enterprises. Mr. Bao’s areas of practice and in-depth research on international business and commercial contracts, e-commerce law, Law on finance and banking. He has published many related works in the above fields.Mr. Bao is teaching at many universities in Hanoi such as Vin Uni University, Hanoi University, Hanoi Law University, Diplomatic Academy, Hanoi National University, and National Economics University. He is also a trainer for the CFAB international certificate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales in Vietnam. In addition, Mr. Bao regularly participates in training and consulting for many corporations and companies in Vietnam on commercial contracts and international business. Mr. Bao is also a mediator and an arbitrator in Vietnam.
ITL (VN) Ltd is a member of the ITL Group, a corporation specializing in providing comprehensive labeling solutions for the fashion, textile, and various manufacturing industries. With a professional team and advanced technology, ITL continuously innovates to meet the increasing demands of its customers. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, environmentally friendly label products while optimizing costs for our clients.
As the Country Manager for IDH’s Life and Building Safety (LABS) Initiative in Vietnam, I lead efforts to transform factories into safer and more sustainable workplaces. With over 20 years of senior management experience across Vietnam and Australia, I specialize in driving impactful collaborations with global brands such as Gap, VF, Target, Walmart, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, and Burberry. My work focuses on mitigating fire, electrical, and structural safety risks in the apparel, footwear, and textiles industries, ensuring better working conditions and safety outcomes for workers and factory owners.
IDH, a global organization with a network of 400+ professionals, operates across key agricultural, manufacturing, and commodity value chains. Through initiatives like LABS, IDH mobilizes private sector investment to innovate business models that promote better jobs, incomes, and gender equity. My role involves coordinating with brands, retailers, and public organizations to scale these efforts across the entirety Vietnam.
I hold a degree in Textiles Industries and have a strong background in sustainable practices, highlighted by my participation in Australia’s largest Eco-Fashion Week in 2017 and 2018. My expertise lies in bridging industry needs with sustainable solutions, fostering safer and more equitable work environments
– Over 26 years of extensive experience working with global brands
– Possess a robust expertise in manufacturing processes and exceptionally adept at thriving under the intense pressures of Sustainable Trends
– 24+ years experiences of providing capacity building & developing local resources
– Build the Sustainable Compliance system for factory partnerships thru Sustainable Strategies
As Cascale’s Senior Manager, Public Affairs APAC, Howard manages and implements policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement and public affairs strategy for Greater China and the APAC region. Together with the team, he fosters collective action with members, strategic partners and external stakeholders aligned with our PA strategic objectives.
Howard has advised multinationals and governments at APCO, a global public affairs consultancy in 2016-2023 in Greater China and APAC including VF Corporation, Estee Lauder, Pernod Ricard, Select Florida. Howard served as Executive Officer for the Hong Kong SAR Government in 2009-2013 and provided strategic counsel to Bloomberg, UN Development Program China Office and WHO.
Howard graduated with a master’s degree in International Public Management at Sciences Po Paris and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications at Chinese University of Hong Kong as well as a CFA Certificate in ESG Investing.
Jaclene Roshan joined Worldly as VP of Product in January 2025, bringing with her 6.5 years of product leadership experience at Salesforce and over a decade of international NGO management experience prior to that. Her product background has been largely focused on building end to end platform solutions for global nonprofit and institutional funders to scale their operations while maximizing social and environmental impact.
Taking the lead in collaboration of facility programmes between ZDHC and like-minded organisations and manages and accelerates the collaboration with the apparel alliance. Besides running the day-to-day operations, she is involved in developing strategies to advance the collaborations. Working closely with the rest of the team and contributors, all from varying walks of life, and from diverse backgrounds, driving the translation of the vision and strategy into concrete results. What Janne does, in research, goes into action in reality. With over a decade of experience at brands.
Jay Gaines is the Chief Marketing and Content Officer at Worldly, where he leads global marketing strategy and the deployment of data insights that help customers strategically embed sustainability data into their day-to-day operations.
Leveraging his two decades of experience in B2B leadership, Jay is passionate about empowering businesses to achieve exceptional growth while making a positive impact for their customers and the world. His expertise lies in crafting focused and effective go-to-market strategies, building and leading high-performing teams, and transforming data into actionable insights.
Throughout his career, Jay has held many executive-level marketing and business development roles at both established and startup B2B companies, including SiriusDecisions and Forrester, where he served as both Chief Marketing Officer and led their advisory services for global marketing leaders. He is also a sought-after speaker and business advisor, focused on go-to-market strategy and leadership, guiding companies through organizational change, and building focused, aligned, and high-performing teams.
A champion for impactful storytelling, Jay is also an Emmy-nominated executive producer of the film Sylvie’s Love. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University.
Jen Shaw Brown is a senior marketing executive currently serving as Sr. Director of Marketing at Worldly, where she manages marketing programs and go-to-market strategy. Previously, she started the product marketing team at climate tech startup Watershed and spent eight years at Salesforce, where she led marketing for Net Zero Cloud and sustainability solutions. Jen holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson and a BA from Harvard.
Jeremy Lardeau is the Senior VP of the Higg Index at Cascale. As part of the leadership team, he oversees the strategic direction and development of the Higg Index suite of tools. Jeremy is based in Barcelona, Spain.
Before joining Cascale team, Jeremy was Senior Director of Sustainability Analytics, at Nike, Inc. where he led sustainability reporting, performance management, data products, and reporting. Prior to Nike, Jeremy was a manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers’ sustainability practice, successively working out of the Paris, Mexico City, and San Francisco offices.
Jeremy holds a Masters in Industrial Engineering from the Ecole Centrale Paris. In his free time he is known to love travelling, running and alpine climbing, but actually enjoys most spending time with his three young boys.
A seasoned sustainability leader with 25 years of experience working in, with and for global MNCs on their sustainability footprints and global supply chains. Jeremy is the Asia Pacific Sustainable Supply Chain Lead in PwC’s Asia Pacific Virtual Centre of Excellence and in the Global Impact Centre where he provides specialist input to the delivery of Sustainable Supply Chain engagements across the region and globally, builds thought leadership for the practice and works with clients to embed ESG within the strategies and supply chains of some of the largest companies in the Asia region and globally.Jeremy’s career began with NIKE, with significant time in the early days of NIKE’s supply chain / labour engagement including HQ, Vietnam and China. Subsequently, Jeremy spent 16 years at BSR and was the Vice President for Asia Pacific leading BSR’s consulting and government / public engagements in the region. His consulting experience extends across a broad geography (from Papua New Guinea to Uzbekistan, Japan to Indonesia) and across a variety of industries (from tech to consumer products, food through energy and extractives)
Joleen Ong is the Senior Director of Brand and Retailer Membership at Cascale, where she leads all aspects of member engagement to drive industry-wide sustainability impact through the use of Higg Index tools.
With over 15 years of experience in sustainability and human rights within the apparel and footwear industries, Joleen has deep expertise in operationalizing Higg Index tools across brands. Before joining Cascale, she served as the Sustainability Director at Fanatics, where she led the integration of sustainability practices and responsible purchasing initiatives across the enterprise. Prior to Fanatics, she led the Sustainable Manufacturing program at Columbia Sportswear, where she developed supply chain sustainability and climate program and oversaw social responsibility efforts for global licensees. Joleen began her career in the nonprofit sector at Social Accountability International, where she established its communications program and co-founded the Global Living Wage Coalition.
Joleen holds a Master’s in Nonprofit and Sustainability Management from The New School and a Bachelor’s in International Studies, Spanish, and Anthropology from the College of New Jersey. A published writer and editor of two award-winning short documentaries, she serves on the Board of Days for Girls International and the Advisory Board of the University of Oregon’s Sports Product Management program, where she frequently lectures. She’s currently based in Portland, Oregon.
Joseph Wozniak has over 20 years’ experience in international trade and development. He leads the Trade for Sustainable Development programme (T4SD) at ITC. T4SD is a specialized and technical resource within ITC aligning sustainability efforts in global value chains, for the benefit of SMEs in particular. Prior to ITC, Mr. Wozniak worked for KPMG LLP and as a Senior Economist with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), formerly OPIC, in Washington, D.C. He was responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of the Agency’s portfolio and the development of analytical tools for the impact assessment of OPIC’s emerging markets investment projects. He received his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Joyce Tsoi is the Senior Director, Decarbonization Programs, Cascale. She leads Cascale’s Decarbonization programs and activities. She works closely with Cascale members and ecosystem partners to integrate sustainability into their business strategies, prioritize actions on climate change, accelerate sustainable environmental and social impacts and transform our industry into one that gives more than it takes- to the people and the planet.
She brings over 17 years of diverse global industry experience, leading global supply chain sustainability program for multinational companies, driving key corporate and industry-wide sustainability strategies and efforts through the adoption and verification of Higg tools, water and wastewater compliance program, Science Based Targets (SBTs), energy efficiency and renewable energy program across multiple industry sectors including apparel and footwear, electronics, hardgoods, home goods, food and beverage, home goods and toys industries globally. She is also a Honorary Senior Lecturer of the Sustainability Leadership and Governance Program at the University of Hong Kong.
Klaus has worked for many years (until 2023) as an in-house legal counsel for one of the major EU textile retailers, focusing on intellectual property rights, unfair competition law, and product-related matters. For over a decade, he served as the company’s Unit Lead European Legal Center of Expertise.
In this role, he provided legal advice to the Buying and global Sourcing organization, including general terms and conditions, as well as various CSR-related matters. His experience encompasses OECD complaints and human rights arbitration proceedings under the Dutch Covenant.
Klaus represented legal counsel on the company’s Steering Working Group responsible for ensuring compliance with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG). In this capacity, he supported the development of a two-way Code of Conduct and the integration of relevant ABA MCCs 2.0 model clauses into the supply chain terms and conditions. He further co-led the company’s implementation process for a modernized AI-based grievance mechanism and HRE risk analysis tool.
Within RCP, Klaus will leverage his operational experience to tailor clauses and rebalance the contractual tension areas between the practical demands of sourcing departments and HRE compliance. He will be assisting companies who are willing to transition away from the traditional legal approach of simply shifting warranties towards a shared responsibility model.
Klaus studied Law and Philosophy at the University of Regensburg and Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany, and graduated there in 1989 with a degree in Law.
Dr. Krishna Manda has worked around 20 years in sustainability with various sectors and stakeholders. Dr. Manda is passionate about embedding sustainability in the core business and functions to nurture culture change anchored in values. Krishna holds the role of VP Corporate Sustainability and member of the executive leadership team at the Lenzing Group, which is a world leading producer of sustainable cellulosic fibers with brand names TENCEL™, ECOVERO™ and REFIBRA™ which are used for fashion, home textile and hygiene products. He is responsible for sustainability & ESG strategy, targets, governance, incentives and strategic engagements with stakeholders and policy makers for orchestrating systemic change in the industry. Krishna served as a co-chair of the Policy Hub during 2020 – 2022. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC)). Krishna has a Ph.D. in Sustainability from Utrecht University, the Netherlands. He worked and lived in five countries and currently lives in Austria with his wife and daughter who are a continuous inspiration.
With over 17 years of experience in sustainability, Kyle spearheads the Group’s environmental program and ESG communications of Crystal International. He leads the corporate sustainability team in accomplishing the Group Global 5-year Targets, overseeing the Net Zero 2050, Sustainability Vision 2030 vision and strategy, and elevating the Group ESG rating and factories’ performance holistically.To extend the advancement of sustainability practices in the industry, he has been actively taking different professional roles within various institutions and NGOs, such as FEM Strategic Council of SAC, task teams of UNFICCA Working Groups, Expert Advisory Group for Apparel and Footwear Sector SBT Guidance of the SBTi. Kyle is a Chartered Environmentalist, a chartered member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, and a life member of the Association of Energy Engineers.
With over three years of experience in sustainability management within the textile and garment manufacturing industry, I have been dedicated to driving responsible production and sustainable transformation across supply chains. For the past two years, I have been based in Vietnam, working closely with local factories to implement practical and impactful sustainability initiatives.
In my current role, I have led key projects including the successful coal phase-out at a large-scale fabric mill, supporting the transition to 100% biomass fuel and rooftop solar energy. I also played a key role in developing the site’s energy roadmap, aligning factory operations with long-term carbon reduction targets.
My work bridges compliance, environmental performance, and operational feasibility. I collaborate with both brand-side sustainability teams and factory management to ensure measurable progress in climate and energy goals.
Lindsay Wright is a communications leader with a background in human and labour rights, as well as research, data and science communications. Now Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships, Better Buying, at Cascale, Lindsay was previously VP of Communications and Strategic Partnership at Better Buying Initiative, and Communications and Media Manager at Ethical Trading Initiative. Before moving into the human and labour rights field, Lindsay held a number of senior data, science and research communications roles at global universities including University College London, Imperial College London (UK Energy Research Centre), Birkbeck, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Lisa Domoney is the Senior Director of Strategic Growth at Cascale. Together with her team, which includes Cascale’s member engagement, development and operations teams, she is responsible for ensuring the active engagement and overall satisfaction of members, as well as growing the organization’s corporate membership base. Lisa is based in the UK.
Prior to joining Cascale, Lisa was Director Responsible Sourcing for Walmart and Asda. She was part of the central leadership team, responsible for strategically positioning and implementing the global programme across 5 countries. She was architect for the Asda modern slavery strategy and board led steering committee and then went on to facilitate the separation from Walmart with the design of an independent responsible sourcing programme and Asda’s inaugural ESG report.
Earlier in her career, Lisa was at the forefront of social engagement projects at Sainsbury’s and Debenhams and is most proud of the accomplishment in her role on the board of the Bangladesh Accord which was instrumental to the legacy work accomplished on factory safety in Bangladesh and India.
In the last year, Lisa founded AVD Consulting, fulfilling a long-held ambition to take the expertise she developed throughout her 25 year career in global manufacturing and multinational retail, her passion for the apparel industry and support organizations to create real change.
Outside of work, Lisa spends time in the country with her dog, traveling with family, painting, and keeping fit. She is also trustee for a charity which is focused on long term care for modern slavery survivors.
Lisa Ramershoven is a registered freelancer in Germany and an experienced consultant specializing in sustainable supply chain transformation. She has a strong track record at the intersection of global sourcing, responsible purchasing practices, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. With over five years of hands-on experience, she has managed international projects focused on labor rights, due diligence, and equitable business relationships between global brands and manufacturers in the garment and textile sector.With a background in international economics and human rights, Lisa combines strategic insight with practical implementation. She has led multi-country initiatives in Asia, Africa, and Europe, including capacity-building with manufacturers, brand-supplier alignment dialogues, and due diligence guidance rooted in producer perspectives. Her work bridges policy and practice — supporting companies to navigate regulatory frameworks such as the CSDDD, the German Supply Chain Act, and OECD Guidelines while driving on-the-ground change.
Massimiliano Tropeano has an extensive experience of more than 20 years across Asia and Indian sub-continent in the garment sector and hard goods. Trade, Buying, sourcing, production, quality control, merchandising, CSR, and Sustainability are his professional background. In 2020 he joined GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ – GmbH) as Senior Advisor for the environmental pillar of the regional FABRIC Project. Currently, he splits his role between FABRIC and EuroCham Cambodia, bridging the gap between development sector and private enterprises on cooperation and sustainability. LDC graduation, GFT Trade, Factories Sustainability, Textile Recycling, Energy and Environmental topics within the garment sector are his area of expertise.
Matthew Guenther is the Vice President Corporate Sustainability for TAL Apparel, a multi-national garment manufacturer. He oversees the implementation of the company’s sustainability strategy with a focus on climate action, circular economy, and worker wellbeing. He is also co-Chair of the Steering Committee for the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. He holds a MSc in Environmental Policy from Bard College, and an BA in International Relations from Bilkent University. He currently resides in Singapore.
Matthijs Crietee, Secretary General IAF
Matthijs’ (Masters degree in International Economics and Economic Geography) career is fully focused on the fashion industry. As deputy director of the Dutch fashion industry association MODINT he build up an important part of MODINT’s consultancy, specializing on trade policy, sourcing, export support and sustainability. He also helped the Dutch fashion industry to get full recognition as part of one of the ‘top sectors’ in the Netherlands.
He joined the International Apparel Federation in 2012 and since 2014 he is its Secretary General. The IAF has become a major force in the global apparel industry representing the interests of apparel industry associations and (large) apparel manufacturing groups from in total over 40 countries on all continents. Together with an IAF member organization, Matthijs every year organizes the influential IAF”s World Fashion Convention which acts as a major global industry meeting place and knowledge platform. IAF is co-initiator of the STTI, the 10 country, 13 association collaboration of garment manufacturing associations created to add the manufacturers’ voice and expertise to the crucial topic of the improvement of purchasing practices.
Matthijs feels very strongly about the education of the industry’s future managers and, as much as he can, teaches and guides students at various Dutch fashion management schools.
Mayko Mathisen is the Group ESG Director at Trimco Group, where she leads environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives across 23 global sites. With over 17 years of experience spanning industries such as education, food, private investment, and technology, she brings a holistic perspective to integrating sustainability into core business strategies.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Mayko began her career promoting sustainable living through charity work and improving waste management at Food for All. She later conducted ESG due diligence for private investors and contributed to ESG reporting and improvements in ESG practices at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. Her passion for environmental stewardship also led her to volunteer on organic farms worldwide, gaining firsthand insights into agricultural challenges. Following her master’s studies in climate change, she worked on greenhouse gas calculations and impact assessments of operations for Soil Steam International focusing on soil regeneration.
At Trimco Group, she leverages this diverse background to advance impactful sustainability strategies that enhance both environmental performance and business value while fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Her goal is to inspire broader participation in sustainability efforts and create innovative solutions that drive meaningful change across industries.
Within PUMA, Mia leads the implementation of environmental programs for PUMA’s global supply chain, covering climate, water, chemical, biodiversity and circularity initiatives. In this role, Mia works closely internally with various departments to deliver progress aligned with PUMA’s sustainability goals, regulations and ESG requirements. She is also actively engaged with various industry stakeholders to drive collaborative progress within the supply chain. Outside of PUMA, Mia is part of ZDHC Board of Directors where she contributes to ZDHC strategy development and industry advancement on sustainable chemical management.
With 28 years of experience in manufacturing and sustainability, Minh Nguyen have driven impactful environmental and operational improvements at global brands like Unilever, IKEA, and Hanesbrands. Specializing in the “planet pillar” of sustainability, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable manufacturing practices. She holds a Master’s degree in Energy Technology from the Asian Institute of Technology, equipping her with the technical expertise to innovate and implement sustainable solutions.
Minh Nguyen has led continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce environmental footprints while maintaining operational excellence. Her work has integrated sustainable practices across supply chains, aligning global sustainability goals and enhancing brand reputations.
Passionate about fostering a culture of sustainability, she leverages cross-industry experience to deliver measurable results in energy conservation, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles. Minh Nguyen’s commitment to driving positive change for the planet, combined with my extensive leadership in international manufacturing, positions her as a trusted advocate for sustainable development in the corporate world
Over 10 years worked in compliance task and have been worked on some standards like Nike, Adidas, UA, Fanatic, Patagonia,VF ( Higg FEM/ FSLM, SLCP…)
Nguyen Duc Thien is an Enterprise Advisor and Training Team Leader with Better Work Vietnam for nearly 14 years. Thien has extensive knowledge and experience in advisory and training the BWV factories on social compliance improvement; management system; leadership and facilitation; industrial relations.
18 years of HR administrative management experience including areas of human resource compliance and environmental responsibility.
Nguyen Thanh Phap holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering technology from Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and brings over a decade of experience in occupational health, safety, and sustainability. Since 2014, he has been employed at Freeview Industrial Viet Nam Co., Ltd, where he initially served as a Health and Safety Specialist. Now, He was appointed Sustainability Development Lead, a role in which he oversees environmental compliance, chemical safety, and energy efficiency initiatives. His responsibilities include managing ISO 14001, 50001, and 14064 systems, conducting Higg FEM assessments, and coordinating with external stakeholders on audits and verifications. His work contributes significantly to advancing sustainable practices within the industrial sector.
Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy is the Senior Program Manager of the Textile & Manufacturing Program at IDH Vietnam. She leads the INSTEP program, which supports textile industrial parks in sustainable development through interventions such as energy audits, chemical management, GHG inventory, waste management, occupational health and safety, gender policy and emissions data transparency.
Thuy also coordinates the public-private partnership platform between IDH, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), and key sector associations (VITAS, LEFASO, VCOSA), fostering sector-wide collaboration for sustainable transformation. A key aspect of her role is engaging with brands to co-create solutions for decarbonization, focusing on Scope 3 emissions and financing mechanisms to unlock investments.
Prior to IDH, Thuy has more than 19 years of experience with the key positions, including Director of Information Technology and Trade Promotion Digitalization at MOIT, National Deputy Director of the SME Support Program (MOIT-SECO), and Lead Consultant for UNCTAD and ITC (UN-WTO) on trade. She specializes in export development and trade promotion across key sectors in Vietnam, including garments, footwear, pepper, seafood, fruits, and tea. Thuy has a strong network with senior policymakers and significant expertise in advocacy and policy advisory.
Nicole is a sustainability professional passionate about driving climate action and biodiversity preservation across the consumer goods sector. As the Program Coordinator for Cascale’s Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), Nicole supports 58 manufacturers—particularly across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region—in setting and validating science-aligned targets (SATs) for Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. MCAP plays a crucial role within Cascale’s Decarbonization Program, working toward reducing industry emissions by 45% by 2030.
Having volunteered and worked with various nonprofits focused on climate action, Nicole brings hands-on experience and a proven ability to drive meaningful impact. In addition to coordinating MCAP, Nicole has provided climate and biodiversity consulting services to companies both in the APAC region and internationally, helping them integrate environmental considerations into their operations. She has supported organizations in setting Science-Based Targets (SBTs), building GHG inventories, analyzing emissions data, and developing decarbonization strategies. Nicole holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Business, which complements her practical expertise in both regional and global climate action.
At the Cascale Forum in Ho Chi Minh City, Nicole will facilitate the MCAP session and lead a focused training on setting SBTs—empowering manufacturers and brand partners with the tools to turn their climate commitments into action.
Dr. Niklas Lollo is a Principal Product Manager at Worldly, specializing in Insights & Actionability with over ten years of experience in the industry. His expertise is grounded in a PhD and MS in Energy & Resources from the University of California, Berkeley, where his research focused on supply chain sustainability. This work included apparel factory engagement and learning in China, Bangladesh, and Thailand. This work was published in prestigious academic journals including California Management Review and PLoS One.
At Worldly, Niklas leverages his deep understanding of complex data and global supply chains to build products that empower users to translate insights into meaningful action. He is passionate about creating data-driven solutions that drive tangible impact. Attendees can expect to learn practical strategies for identifying key insights from Worldly data and developing clear, actionable steps within their organizations, drawing from Niklas’s extensive experience in both research and product development, as well as his in-depth knowledge of sustainability and global supply chains.
Nikhil Hirdaramani is a Director of Hirdaramani Group: The Hirdaramani Group is a global apparel manufacturer providing integrated apparel design, production and distribution solutions to premium global brands.
Nikhil has over 25 years experience in the industry and is extremely passionate and committed to influencing sustainable development through wider industry collaboration and led the development of the group’s 2025 sustainability roadmap ‘Future First’
Nikhil is a strong advocate of using his experience and voice to influence wider industry engagement and has served in leadership roles in a number of multistakeholder initiatives: He has been the Vice Chair of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (Cascale) and has served as a Director of both Higg Co and SEDEX. He has also been involved in the Social and Labor Convergence Program since its inception and presently is on its management board and chairs its governance committee.
Nikhil is an active member leader of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), and presently oversees global partnerships. Some of the organizations that have United Nations, IFC and World Economic Forum as well as the implementation of the EO sustainability strategy.
Nikhil has a BA in International Relations from Tufts University, USA and an MBA from Imperial College, UK.
Experienced Operations Director with a solid foundation in Management Consulting, recognized for delivering operational excellence, strategic growth, and transformational outcomes across dynamic and fast-paced industries.
Armed with an MBA from Liverpool John Moores University (UK) and a BA in Commercial, Business English & Teaching from HCM Education University, I bring a blend of business acumen, sharp communication, and people-first leadership to every challenge.
🔹 Certified Energy Manager- Vietnam Ministry of Industry & Trade
🔹 Extensive hands-on expertise in ISO Management Systems (9001, 14001, 50001, 14064), OHSAS 18001
🔹 Specialized in Strategic Planning, HR Strategy, Leadership Development, and Customer Experience
🔹 Postgraduate Program in Management- with a focus on Leadership & Decision Making
I take pride in building high-performing teams, driving organizational transformation, and aligning operational and HR strategies to fuel sustainable success. With a systems-thinking mindset and a deep commitment to continuous improvement, I thrive in environments that value innovation, agility, and growth.
Olivia Windham Stewart is an independent specialist working to improve human rights and environmental outcomes in global supply chains. In this capacity, Olivia works with a range of stakeholders, including brands and manufacturers; industry federation and associations; multi-stakeholder initiatives; non-governmental, intergovernmental and development organisations; policymakers; foundations; and labor unions.
Olivia has worked closely with the International Apparel Federation since 2020 and currently leads its decarbonisation workstream. In her independent capacity, Olivia also co-founded the Responsible Contracting Project, where she remains a Senior Advisor. In 2022 she was awarded a Senior Fellowship at the Centre for Corporate Law and Governance at Rutgers Law School in the United States.
Prior to her work as an independent specialist, Olivia worked at an employee-owned business and human rights advisory firm in London and was also on the founding team of an award-winning NGO. She has extensive experience delivering projects in-country and has worked widely in South and South East Asia in particular. Olivia has an academic background in art, law, and international development.
Orine Dsouza is the Senior Manager of Higg tools for Cascale, the apparel, footwear, and textile industry’s leading alliance for sustainable production. She will be responsible for managing and improving the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM), Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (Higg FSLM) and their suite of resources. The goal of this position is to continue integrating the input of Coalition members, facilities, and stakeholders into the tools and resources through effective engagement and facilitation, in order to scale the adoption of these tools globally. She is based in Bangalore/India.
Before joining Cascale team, Orine was the Supply Chain Sustainability Manager for India and Sri Lanka at H&M. This includes setting the strategy, planning, controlling and analysis of impact for the supply chain. She has been a key contributor, providing guidance on strategy, policies, and planning for long-term sustainability. Orine was responsible for leading the team in implementing the Annual Action Plans (Validation, Program and Projects) in cooperation with the business team and suppliers. She also handled any escalation that came from the supplier level, and provided support in managing and mitigating issues.
Orine has a Master’s degree in Social Work. In her free time, Orine loves to see new places and bake/ cook new cuisine.
Phoebe Nguyen is the Senior Environmental Executive at Primark, where she leads environmental sustainability initiatives across the supply chain in Southeast Asia. With over 8 years of experience and a strong academic background in environmental technology, she brings a well-rounded perspective on sustainability from both manufacturer and brand sides. Phoebe has deep expertise in the Higg FEM and previously served as an official Cascale Higg FEM trainer, supporting manufacturers in understanding and applying the tool to drive measurable environmental improvements. At Primark, she collaborates with suppliers, industry stakeholders, and internal teams to reduce environmental impact, enhance compliance, and integrate sustainable practices across operations. Passionate about capacity building and systems change, Phoebe is dedicated to empowering stakeholders and aligning industry efforts toward a more responsible and circular fashion supply chain
Prasanth Nandakumar is the Stakeholder Engagement Manager for APAC at Cascale. He is responsible for developing the right network of relationships to support the delivery of Cascale Strategic Plan and implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Strategy. As one of the key Cascale contacts for identified stakeholders, he ensures proactive engagement and cooperation among Cascale’s members, the broader industry, and strategic stakeholders.
Raffay Bin Rauf is the Head of Sustainability at Sapphire Finishing Mills, one of Pakistan’s leading textile exporters. With over 10 years of industry experience, Raffay leads company-wide initiatives to align with global sustainability frameworks and retailer expectations across ESG, environmental compliance, and social responsibility.
He has successfully presented over 2000 staff-day audits for multiple international standards in the manufacturing sector.
At Sapphire Finishing, he is driving and advocating sustainable supply chain practices in line with CSRD, CSDDD, and global brand mandates. His strategic direction integrates product stewardship, compliance risk mitigation, and sustainable innovation.
Raffay also leads the company’s digital presence and brand communications, ensuring consistency in storytelling and customer engagement around sustainability.He is passionate about embedding sustainability at the heart of business strategy and fostering climate-positive practices across the textile industry.
Richard has worked for the last 15 years on the energy transition. Richard coordinates WWF’s work on energy efficiency, with the textile and apparel sector being a key sector. This includes supporting WWF’s partnership with H&M in Vietnam and Cambodia, which has a focus on industrial heat and electrification. Previously, he worked in the private sector (ENEA Consulting, Climate Bridge), as well as at the United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi. He has degrees in Modern Chinese Studies and Economics from the University of Oxford and the University of Warwick. He is based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Samira is an Investment Advisor at the Good Fashion Fund, an impact investment fund that invests in the textile and apparel sector in India and Bangladesh. She has a background in Development Finance. Saidi is passionate about uplifting emerging economies by creating impact, promoting equality, and improving access to capital. Her experience spans various impact initiatives in sustainable fashion, organic agriculture value chains, access to justice, clean cooking across, public infrastructure and carbon finance in Sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia. At the Good Fashion Fund, she has led various transactions through due diligence and reporting. She holds a Masters in Development Finance from the University of Manchester, Bachelor of Business Science, Financial Economics from Strathmore University and Venture Finance Certification from Oxford Said Business School.
With over 20 years of experience in the Spinning, Weaving, Processing, and Apparel industry, I have developed a deep expertise in sustainability and compliance. My career is marked by a strong commitment to implementing sustainable practices, including Environmental Management Systems (EMS), Energy Management Systems (EnMS), Integrated Management Systems (IMS), Water and Chemical Management, Waste Reduction, and Social Fairness.
I hold an MBA and am a certified Lead Auditor for multiple standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 along with certifications of ZDHC, Higg Index, and BSCI. My skills in negotiation and strategic planning have been instrumental in driving sustainability initiatives that align with both business objectives and environmental stewardship.
Sim Thai Ha Phuong is the Co-owner and Business Development Director of Thai Son S.P Co., Ltd., a family-owned knitwear manufacturer in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. With over 35 years of experience, the company serves global fashion brands with circular knit garments. Sim actively promotes Vietnam’s role as a reliable and capable partner in the international apparel supply chain. Sim is passionate about sustainable sourcing, long-term partnerships, and promoting Vietnam’s textile capabilities to global brands. Her deep understanding of both manufacturing and international business dynamics makes her a valuable voice in driving responsible growth across the supply chain. Connect with her on LinkedIn at Sim Thai.
Sinem Demir Duru is working at IFC MAS Asia Pre-Investment & Advisory Team as an Operations Officer, based in Ho Chi Minh City. She has 15 years of experience in international development and sustainability, including more than a decade in leadership roles. She has a specialized background in climate finance, decarbonization, and the circular economy. Throughout her career, as an expert in industrial decarbonization, she has led several supply chain decarbonization initiatives, particularly within the textile industry. She has closely worked with suppliers of global brands to identify and implement resource efficiency and cleaner production practices to move the sector towards a decarbonization pathway.
Sophie is a Principal Consultant at RESET. Based out of Hong Kong, she focuses on driving company’s carbon related strategy in the fashion and apparel practice. She also takes the lead on major client projects and strategic relationships linked to practice development.
Before joining RESET Carbon, Sophie was the Head of Sustainability & Sourcing at a French fashion company, where she led the development and execution of the brand’s sustainability and sourcing strategies. Prior to this, Sophie spent a decade at the iconic American retailer, transforming them into an industry leader. She spearheaded their public facing water strategy and played an instrumental role across their fabric development, supply chain and responsible sourcing teams.
Sophie gained both her BA (Hons) in Fashion & Textiles and her PhD degree at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Sruthi Ramesh is a sustainability-focused investment professional with deep experience in driving impact across the textile and apparel value chain in Asia. Currently working at FOUNT, a leading impact investment firm, she manages growth-stage investments under the Good Fashion Fund (GFF), which supports manufacturers in India and Bangladesh to adopt more sustainable production practices. Her role spans deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management, with a strong emphasis on environmental and social outcomes.
She holds a Master’s degree in Financial Economics (Cum Laude) from the Netherlands and is a qualified Chartered Accountant from India.
Her on-the-ground engagement with factories, innovators, and ecosystem partners across Asia gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in making fashion both responsible and scalable. She is passionate about embedding sustainability into investment decision-making and accelerating the industry’s transition to a just and circular future.
Steve holds an MBA and joined Stella in 2013. He started his footwear career working in a leather tannery and rotated to Sports division in 2018. He is now the business lead in Sports division and works closely with Nike sourcing team in business development. As part of business development, Steve has been involved with Stella Sports Sustainability strategic initiatives. He has followed and tracked Stella’s growth as a sustainable footwear manufacturing partner. Steve has previously worked in financial institutions and enjoys activities such as swimming, tennis & Pilates.
I serve as the SLCP representative in Vietnam. In this role, I am responsible for training facilities and cultivating relationships with stakeholders in Vietnam. I also deliver localized support through the SLCP Helpdesk. I bring to this position more than nine years of experience in sustainability project and consulting, encompassing corporate social responsibility initiatives, human rights, auditing processes, and capacity-training programs.
For the past three years, I’ve been deeply immersed in the Worldly platform, working as a Customer Success Manager. My passion lies in empowering users to unlock the full potential of Worldly. My expertise centers around driving seamless platform adoption and maximizing data collection efficiency. I specialize in translating complex features into actionable strategies, ensuring you can leverage Worldly to achieve your sustainability goals with ease. I’m excited to share insights and best practices to help you navigate and optimize your Worldly experience.”
Tom Dao is the Southeast Asia Managing Director at IDFL, leading operations across Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and Singapore. With a strong foundation in Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry, he brings both scientific expertise and strategic leadership to the textile and sustainability industry.
Tom has played a critical role in expanding IDFL’s presence in Southeast Asia, establishing laboratories, building audit teams, and introducing key innovations. He spearheaded the launch of IDFL’s ZDHC chemical testing lab and developed the Isotope Testing Database – a breakthrough tool for material traceability. Under his leadership, IDFL has become a recognized regional competitor in environmental auditing and certification.
He holds multiple international auditor certifications, including ISO 19011, ISO 14001, SA8000, and GOTS, and has audited over 100 factories himself while managing audits for over 2000 facilities in the region. Tom is a frequent contributor at sustainability forums and a key voice in advancing traceability and chemical management practices in the region.
Fluent in both English and Vietnamese, he blends cross-cultural understanding with technical and operational excellence, making him a vital driver of IDFL’s regional success.
Tom is responsible for the policy and stakeholder engagement strategy at SLCP and ensuring the CAF is recognized and aligned with policy and legal developments. Tom also works closely with the data insights and communications teams in developing data-driven publications to ensure the social and labor data is shared with the industry and policymakers to drive policy decision-making. Originally from Australia, Tom has experience working in international NGOs and legal clinics, focusing on business & human rights research and labour rights in global value chains.
Tony Hung is a Manager of Supply Chain Sustainability at New Balance Athletics, Inc., a global athletic company that has global suppliers in over thirty countries including footwear, apparel, and equipment.He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (B.Eng.), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Responsible Leadership and Sustainability. With over 20 years of professional experience, Tony has held various leadership and expert roles in Sustainability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and circular economy. His career spans across the footwear, textile, and oil & gas industries, working with both brands and multinational manufacturers.Tony has actively engaged with numerous stakeholders and contributed to significant sustainability programs. His leadership-oriented approach centers on sustainability and his focus at New Balance is engaging supplier-focused initiatives and driving responsible leadership on sustainability in the global supply chain.
Trang is a development professional at the GIZ with over 15 years of experience advancing social and labor standards while promoting sustainable and responsible business practices across industrial supply chains in Vietnam and wider Asia region. Her work spans diverse sectors, including garment, textile, and natural resource management, where she is deeply committed to advancing inclusive, forward-looking approaches to HREDD and corporate accountability. Before joining GIZ, Trang held different roles at the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and UNDP, engaging in cross-sectoral collaboration for sustainability.
I have over 5 years of experience working in Human Resources, specializing in labor compliance and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In my current role, I lead internal HR operations and coordinate social compliance audits, ensuring alignment with both local labor laws and international standards. My work involves close collaboration with third-party auditors, factories, and global clients. I am passionate about creating fair and ethical workplaces, and I look forward to sharing practical insights and real-life cases that may help others strengthen their own compliance practices.
Vic is an ESG Specialist with over 15 years of experience in the Corporate Responsibility industry. He has a wealth of knowledge working with brands, retailers and their supply chain across a variety of consumer goods.
Vic has recently led successful Higg Tools adoption programs for several major brands and retailers in the APAC region. These programs brought insights to help these businesses reduce their environmental impact, improve their social responsibility, and increase transparency across their supply chains.”
30 Years in Apparel Industrial, focus on Manufacture management of knitting, dyeing and sewing .
Degrees, professional certificates:
– University of Finance and Accounting;
– Chief Accountant Certificate;
– Lead Auditor;
– Internal assessment skills;
– ISO 9001 quality management;
– ISO 14001 – 2015 environmental management;
– 7 quality management tools in production;
– Advanced quality system management;
– Leadership skills in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0;
– Effective supervision skills;
– Advanced customer relationship management;
– Safety management, risks and identification, control of hazards;
– Safety culture;
– Advanced communication skills;
– Reporting skills.
Yasotharan Manivel is the Manager of the Decarbonization Program at Cascale. He is based in Chennai, India. He ensures that to drive large-scale, industry-wide environmental and social sustainability programs aimed to deliver exponential positive impacts to people and environment in the value chain. He will play a key role in setting Science Based Target and developing GHG/ carbon reduction roadmap, facilitating dialogue among stakeholders with diverse perspectives, build key short to mid-term plan based on consensus collected from the apparel, footwear, and textile industry.
Before joining Cascale team, Yasotharan was the Operation Process Manger – Sustainable Development at Decathlon for India. Where he is responsible for the implementation of Decathlon’s overarching Sustainability Strategy with a special focus on Labour, Health & Safety, Worker Well Being, and Environment management to the supply chains. He responsibly implemented decarbonized supply chain programs to identify useful solutions and develop strategy to deploy plans for textile & Footwear industries such as CO2 Measurement, Target Set, and Energy efficiency Project & Renewable energy procurement. He developed and monitor the Supplier Autonomy Projects (Human Rights & Environment) and adopt the programs based on regional.
He holds a Master Degree (MBA) in Environmental Management from Bharathidasan University. He is certified ISO 140001 Lead Auditor and he recently completed Strategy & Sustainability course from IESE Business School, University of Navarra. He enjoys spending time with family and kids and running.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Yen is Country Representative of CNV Internationaal in Vietnam, a foundation of CNV, the 2nd largest trade union in the Netherlands. Its work in Vietnam focuses on capacity building for Vietnamese social partners, especially trade union on social dialogue including the development of multi-company collective bargaining agreements and lobby and advocacy for organizational policies. CNV-I has been working with a wide range of stakeholders in garment sectors since 2018 and obtains permission to work on 2 new sectors including footwear and agro food processing in 2025. Before working for CNV-International, Ms Yen worked for Industrial Relations Projects of the ILO Vietnam. She has extensive knowledge and experience of policy advocacy, capacity building and collaboration with National Assembly, Government counterparts, business associations, big and small and medium sized enterprises, trade union at all levels and non-governmental organizations. She holds Master of Science Degree on Gender and Development Studies of Asian Institute of Technology.
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