HABU:Intelligent Ingedients

Simon Lofts, Co-founder, CEO/CMO

As the branding visionary behind HABU^(R), Simon’s mission is to help build the global circular economy around the Highest and Best Use philosophy. Prior to HABU^(R), Simon spent sixteen years in a variety of Sustainability roles along the entire apparel and footwear value chains of Nike and Levi Straus. As the Global Sustainable Business and Innovation Director for Nike Inc, he built Nike Grind and Reuse-A-Shoe, Nike’s longstanding and forward-thinking programs to recycle factory waste and end-of-life products, into a successful Global Business Unit, taking Nike closer towards the ultimate goal of becoming a closed-loop manufacturer. Simon was an oil trader early in his career before backpacking around the world for 18 months then dedicating himself to the low-carbon economy.

Simon now lives in Portland, Oregon, USA, grew up in the UK and also lived in Europe for 10 years. He earned a BA (Hons) Degree in Business Studies from Kingston University, London, UK and a Masters in Environmental Impact Assessment from University of Brighton, UK. He is married with two children, a cat and a dog. When not playing tennis or soccer, he raises chickens and composts at his home in Portland, Oregon.

+1 971-300-6562 | doyouhabu@gmail.com | www.linkedin.com/in/simonwlofts

Barbara Close, Co-founder, COO/CFO

A business strategy and operations guru, Barbara's wish is for every bit of waste to be efficiently converted back into new product. Her technical background, analytical preeminence and business acumen help drive the HABU^(R) mission through the development of systems and strategy for clients. She has been advising clients on Sustainability and Waste Management strategy since 2008 through her consultancy Princeton Sustainability Advisors. Previously she has held a breadth of roles in strategy, finance and M&A for large corporations after a career start as a space systems engineer and small service business proprietor.

Barbara is a California native. She earned a Masters in Management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. She is married and shares her home with five cats, the latest in a long line of rescues. When not working or pulling together her recyclables she is either practicing golf, playing golf or watching it on TV. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey as far off the grid as possible.

+1 917-514-4228 | doyouhabu@gmail.com | www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraclose