Location: US, Netherlands, or Hong Kong.
Acre is proud to be supporting Cascale in their search for a visionary, strategic, and empathetic leader to serve as its next CEO.
About Cascale
Cascale is a global, non-profit alliance of 300 leading apparel, footwear, and textile brands, retailers, manufacturers, NGOs, and academic institutions. Formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, the organization entered a new chapter in 2024 with a new name and visual identity, but a consistent vision: transforming business for exponential impact.
Cascale pioneered the Higg Index to help organizations measure and improve environmental and social performance across value chains. While the technology platform spun off as Worldly in 2019, Cascale remains focused on empowering industry transformation through tools, partnerships, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The Opportunity
This is a high-profile, externally-facing role suited to a charismatic connector who can drive progress, align stakeholders, and lead with humility and purpose. The CEO will guide the organization in achieving meaningful impact for both people and planet.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership
- Provide inspirational leadership to internal and external stakeholders, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and inclusion.
- Build and lead a high-performing executive team and support staff development.
- Embed DEI principles throughout the organization.
Finance & Revenue
- Oversee budget and long-term financial planning aligned with strategy.
- Lead efforts to diversify revenue, including new business models, partnerships, and fundraising.
- Ensure sustainable funding through partnerships, grants and relationships with funding organizations.
External Relations & Advocacy
- Represent Cascale as its public face; engage in media, events, and stakeholder communications.
- Cultivate strategic relationships with brands, manufacturers, NGOs, governments, and other partners.
- Promote member tools and programs that drive sustainability and impact.
- Advance equal partnerships across the value chain.
Governance
- Partner with the Board to ensure strong governance and legal compliance.
- Support recruitment and engagement of diverse and experienced board members.
Strategic & Programmatic Impact
Vision & Industry Positioning
- Refine - and support the team to deliver - Cascale’s long-term strategic direction focused on climate action and decent work.
- Stay ahead of industry trends and ensure alignment between mission, initiatives, and member needs.
Climate Leadership
- Lead the development of a high-impact climate strategy to help members reduce GHG emissions 45% by 2030.
- Position Cascale as the leading provider of innovative solutions, tools, and partnerships that drive both industry-wide and member-specific progress in reducing emissions.
- Ensure Cascale has – and is effectively delivering – the right portfolio of climate, activities, initiatives, programs and partnerships; providing tools that are fit for purpose; empowering members and influencing global and regional climate policy.
Decent Work
- Lead systemic change in labor practices across the supply chain.
- Provide strategic leadership to ensure innovative tools, partnerships, and systemic solutions advance decent work across the industry.
- Oversee the alignment and effectiveness of Cascale’s decent work portfolio—including responsible purchasing tools, collective action, capability building, and policy influence.
Candidate Profile
Experience & Qualifications
- 20+ years of senior leadership experience, preferably in consumer goods.
- Prior C-suite experience with P&L oversight and board engagement.
- Expertise in financial stewardship, fundraising, and revenue diversification.
- Proven ability to lead diverse, global, and remote teams.
- Knowledge of nonprofit governance and regulatory frameworks.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Leadership Attributes
- Strategic thinker with vision and execution skills.
- Skilled communicator, facilitator, and relationship builder.
- Deep commitment to sustainability, equity, and social impact.
- Culturally agile; experienced in cross-functional, multicultural settings.
- Charismatic public speaker and credible sector voice.
Personal Qualities
- Mission-driven, collaborative, tech-savvy, organized, and detail-oriented.
- Adaptable, proactive, and curious—with integrity and resilience.
Additional Details
- Reports to: Board Chair
- Location: U.S., Netherlands, or Hong Kong
- Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience
- Travel: Extensive international travel required
Cascale’s Core Values
- Collaboration – Collective wisdom creates better solutions.
- Accountability – Embrace responsibility and follow through.
- Growth Mindset – Learn from challenges and evolve.
- Respect – Treat all people with dignity and inclusion.
- Celebrate – Honor both wins and lessons learned.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Cascale is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture. The organization values the unique contributions of each team member and believes that differences strengthen both workplace and impact.
To apply, please submit your CV via the Acre website.
