Arvind director to steer Organic Cotton Accelerator
Punit Lalbhai, vice-chairman of India-based denim and textiles maker Arvind, will become chairman of the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA)’s board on January 1, taking over from Keith Tyrell of Pesticide Action Network UK.
Mr Lalbhai has been member of the OCA Board since 2021, and has driven advances in water recycling, energy efficiency, and sustainable fabrics through Arvind.
He said: “I feel the organisation is doing a lot for organic cotton. I also feel that its real impact is going to see a step change in the years to come. I will give my very all to ensure that OCA achieves its ambition.”
Mr Tyrellhas been part of the OCA board since its launch in 2016. Serving as its chair since 2020, he has been part of OCA’s evolution from a piloting phase in its initial years, to now supporting over 100,000 farmers.
Bart Vollaard, OCA’s executive director, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work so closely together with Keith over the past five years. He has been a great support to me personally and the organisation as a whole during times of transition and growth. As we welcome Punit as our new chair, I am looking forward to the new energy this will bring to our multi-stakeholder governance and OCA’s journey.”
