Christina Trautmann
Head of LWG
Christina is the Head of Leather Working Group (LWG). She joined Leather Working Group in May 2020, after several years working for adidas in different locations in Europe and Asia.
With a background in Chemical and Sustainable Energy Engineering, Christina has over 15 years of international experience in sustainability, materials sourcing, and fashion.
Christina is a specialist in sustainable materials, global sourcing, certification, and process optimization.
Stuart Cranfield
Head of Standards & Assurance
As of 1 March 2022, Stuart Cranfield joined the LWG team to head up the operations of the group.
Stuart joins us after spending the last 36 years at Clarks, working across multiple different locations and functions.
In his previous role, Stuart was central in establishing and managing the social audit program at Clarks and has taken active roles in several multi-stakeholder initiatives including SLCP, CGF SSCI and BSI PAS24000.
Adam Crowe
Senior Operations Manager
Adam Crowe joined LWG in December 2022 with overall responsibility for operations, communications and marketing, and stakeholder engagement.
Adam brings a wealth of operations and business management experience in the Testing, Inspection & Certification sector, working across a number of industries in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
In his previous roles, Adam has played a significant leadership role in the development and operation of certification schemes, the delivery of numerous process optimisation projects, and the creation of Quality Management Systems.
Vanessa Brain
Senior Traceability Manager
Vanessa joined LWG in September 2021 and is responsible for managing the organisation’s work on traceability of leather, including developing the chain of custody for LWG.
Vanessa has a wealth of commercial fashion and sustainability experience gained through working for organisations including the Fairtrade Foundation, Control Union and Historic Futures.
Vanessa is a specialist in sustainable materials, global sourcing, certification and traceability systems.
Jennifer Thorpe
Marketing Manager
Jennifer Thorpe joins LWG as a Marketing & Engagement Manager and will be responsible for all communications and promotional activities.
Previously, Jennifer spent 5 years at Eurofins | BLC in a similar marketing role promoting a broad portfolio of services including materials testing, leather consulting, membership, auditing, and sustainability.
Prior to this, Jennifer has spent 10 years working in marketing across various sectors including construction, accountancy and higher education.
Olivia Wass
Sustainability Associate
Olivia first joined the LWG team in August 2022 as a Team Assistant to the Marketing and Engagement department. In her role as Sustainability Associate, Olivia supports on the various traceability and chain of custody workstreams.
Prior to joining LWG, Olivia had a background in secondary education where she became a qualified Geography teacher. Olivia holds a First-Class BSc Geography degree from Lancaster University where she specialized in ecology, conservation, and spatial analysis.
Connect with Olivia on LinkedIn
Emma Linnell
Audit Administrator
Emma is the LWG Audit Administrator, joining our team in May 2022.
Emma has over 25 years of experience working in administration. Most recently, Emma has spent 16 years working at Eurofins | BLC Leather Technology Centre, where she was responsible for reporting, document management, general administration, and supporting business directors.
At LWG, Emma is responsible for managing the administration related to our certified suppliers in over 50 countries, which includes the delivery of audit reports and certificates, managing certified supplier listings, and more.
Marius Saunes
Stakeholder Engagement Manager
Marius joined LWG as the Standards & Assurance Coordinator, working within the Operations Team in August 2022.
Marius has a background from the insure-tech industry, mainly with the automotive sector, as a Product Specialist working with product management and delivery to the Nordics.
He holds a law-degree, and a MSc in environmental and climate studies.
Connect with Marius on LinkedIn
George Acheampong
Marketing & Communications Executive
George joined LWG in March 2023 as the Marketing & Communications Executive and will be providing maternity cover for Jennifer Thorpe. He will be responsible for managing the day-to-day marketing and communications activities of LWG.
Over the last decade, George has built experience developing integrated marketing plans and managing campaigns for brands and businesses across various industries.
He has a degree in Economics and an MSc in International Marketing.
Prior to joining LWG, George was the Technology & Digital Impact Officer at Scottish Care.
Mark Lucas
Technical Manager
Mark has been an LWG Auditor since 2005 and is a member of the LWG Technical Sub-Group.
He has been instrumental in the development of the LWG Audit Standards. Mark is an IEMA-qualified Principle Environmental Auditor.
Mark has qualifications in Environmental Management, Leather Technology and Business and has worked in the leather industry for over 30 years.