Allbirds Inc., a sustainable footwear and apparel brand, has named Jason Israel as its new VP of design, starting on June 1. Israel, who brings over 20 years of design experience, previously worked at Salomon as the global creative director. Before that, he held leadership roles at Specialized Bicycle Components and The North Face.
In addition to Israel’s appointment, Allbirds has also welcomed Ailsa Cordon-Michell as the new color and materials leader. With her background at The North Face and Burberry, Cordon-Michell will join Israel and chief design officer Adrian Nyman in strengthening the company’s product team and design culture.
CEO Joe Vernachio expressed excitement about Israel’s addition to the team, emphasizing the importance of product innovation and storytelling for Allbirds’ growth. The company recently finalized distribution agreements in the Gulf countries and Southeast Asia, shifting towards third-party distribution in these regions.
The appointment of Jason Israel as VP of design marks a significant step for Allbirds as it continues to prioritize innovation and sustainability in its products. Israel’s wealth of experience in the design industry, coupled with the expertise of Ailsa Cordon-Michell, is expected to drive the brand’s commitment to quality and creativity.
With a focus on championing and elevating its design culture, Allbirds aims to expand its product offerings and core franchises under the leadership of Nyman, Israel, and Cordon-Michell. The company’s strategic shift towards third-party distribution in key regions indicates its commitment to reaching a wider audience while maintaining its sustainability ethos.
As Allbirds looks towards the future, the addition of new talent and strategic partnerships reflects its dedication to staying at the forefront of sustainable fashion. The combination of experienced leaders like Israel and Cordon-Michell signals a promising direction for the brand as it continues to innovate and grow in the global market.