Allbirds adds Old Navy executive to board

Sustainable footwear brand Allbirds announced it has appointed Nancy Green, currently chief creative officer of Old Navy, to its board of directors, effective 10th February.

The San Francisco-based Allbirds tapped the U.S. executive for her many decades experience in the fashion retail segment. Prior to Old Navy, Green served a six-year tenure as president and CEO of Athleta, also owned by Gap Inc.

A certified B Corp company – thanks to the use of natural materials and fibres — Allbirds, however, said it tapped Green for her sustainable business beliefs in retail.

“Nancy shares our belief that business can be a force for positive change and transform how the fashion industry views the products they are putting into the world. We are proud to welcome her to the team, and look forward to ushering in a new era of sustainable business together,” said Joey Zwillinger, co-founder and co-CEO of Allbirds.

At Athleta, Green pioneered the activewear brand’s move toward sustainability, earning it a B Corp certification.

Her leadership led to 60% of Athleta apparel being made of recycled and sustainable materials with the goal of 80% by 2020.

She also supported Gap Inc.’s reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 50% across the global firm’s stores and U.S. headquarters. Under her leadership, Athleta’s sales grew to nearly $1 billion, from $250 million previously, making Gap Inc one of the largest B Corp members in the retail industry to-date.

Prior to Athleta, where she worked from 2013 to 2019, Green served as Old Navy’s interim co-president and chief creative officer from 2010 to 2012.

She also led the Pottery Barn division of Williams-Sonoma from 2003 to 2007.

Founded in 2014 by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, Allbirds is a New Zealand-American footwear brand. Focused on making innovative eco shoes based on merino wool, the direct-to-consumer brand sells to the U.S., Australia and New Zealand, among other markets.