Former NASA Scientist Joins Keen to Lead Bold Sustainability Push

Keen, the popular hiking shoe brand, is making waves with its latest hire. Ann Radil, a former NASA climate scientist, has been brought on board to spearhead Keen’s sustainability efforts. Radil will lead the Keen Effect program, focusing on climate action, circular economy practices, and green chemistry.

Based in Portland, Oregon, Keen has long been a leader in sustainability, pioneering the removal of ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAS from its products. Radil, who joined the company in September, quickly recognized Keen’s unique commitment to environmental responsibility. Reporting directly to CEO Rory Fuerst, she has already received over 50 positive comments on LinkedIn after expressing her excitement about her new role.

Keen’s Environmental Ambitions

With 800 employees, Keen is no small player. Radil brings a wealth of experience, having worked on decarbonization strategies for major companies like Nike and JP Morgan Chase. Her goal? To make Keen the most trusted shoe brand globally by securing Science-Based Targets initiative validation for its 2033 emissions goals.

Keen manufactures a third of its shoes in its Kentucky factory, giving it significant control over its supply chain. This enables decarbonization initiatives, such as on-site solar panel installations, supported by renewable energy certificates.

Radil’s Committed Journey

Radil is no stranger to sustainability. Before joining Keen, she spent two decades consulting for companies like Nike, Yeti, and Walmart. In 2022, she was selected by the World Resources Institute to update the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard. However, Keen’s ambitious sustainability goals won’t be easy to achieve, and SBTi validation is just one of many hurdles.

For Radil, working at Keen is a chance to break down corporate decarbonization barriers, a mission she began at Watershed. She looks forward to overcoming challenges and achieving Keen’s ambitious environmental objectives.