Valea Vadaleau will take over as Head of Business Development at the Aid by Trade Foundation on March 1, 2025, succeeding Christian Barthel, who retires in November after 18 years at the Hamburg-based foundation.
Vadaleau brings extensive experience in the international textile industry, specializing in sustainability and ESG frameworks. She previously led sourcing operations for Peek & Cloppenburg in Hong Kong and later advised companies on sustainable supply chains through her firm, KYBELE.
Tina Stridde, Managing Director of the Aid by Trade Foundation, welcomed Vadaleau, emphasizing her expertise in strategic planning and sustainable supply chain management. She also thanked Barthel for his dedication, noting his critical role in the foundation’s success.
Barthel, who started his career at the Otto Group in 1986, spent 26 years in Turkey and China before joining the foundation. Until his retirement, he will continue as Managing Director of ATAKORA GmbH, overseeing the marketing of sustainable cotton and cashmere standards in global supply chains.
