Former Nike CSO Noel Kinder joins Lululemon

Noel Kinder, who retired as Nike’s chief sustainability officer 15 months ago, is now taking on the role of leading Lululemon’s sustainability efforts. Lululemon appointed him as the new senior vice president of sustainability shortly after Esther Speck, who served as vice president of global sustainability for a decade, announced her upcoming departure.

With 25 years of diverse experience at Nike, Kinder took over as chief sustainability officer from Hannah Jones in 2018. He was tasked with achieving the company’s ambitious goal of doubling its business while cutting its environmental impact in half.

Lululemon faces challenges as it aims to grow its business while reducing its environmental footprint. The company has seen a significant increase in sales in recent years, but emissions have also risen, making it harder to reach its 2050 net zero target. Despite this, Lululemon has been actively seeking alternatives to traditional polyester and nylon, investing in chemical recycling startups like ZymoChem and Samsara Eco.

Ted Dagnese, Lululemon’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, praised Kinder’s global experience in sustainability strategy and goal-setting. Kinder is now responsible for driving Lululemon towards its sustainability goals, including achieving net zero emissions by 2035 and increasing the use of preferred materials and end-of-life solutions by 2030.

During his time at Nike, Kinder expanded the company’s sustainability team, led initiatives for zero carbon and waste, and explored innovative materials like kelp “leather” and plant-based foam for shoes. Despite his successes, Kinder decided to retire after changes in Nike’s sustainability strategy.

Kinder expressed his enthusiasm for joining Lululemon and working with its teams to drive meaningful change. He highlighted Lululemon’s commitment to sustainability and climate goals, emphasizing the importance of their ongoing work.

Both Nike and Lululemon have explored innovative materials in their products and share significant supply chains in countries like Vietnam. Kinder’s experience in managing sustainability at Nike’s factories around the world will likely be valuable as he leads Lululemon’s sustainability efforts.

Kinder’s diverse experience in sustainability and his track record of success make him a valuable addition to Lululemon as the company strives to create a more sustainable future.