The Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) is announcing a Board of Trustees leadership transition, as Keith Tyrell, Executive Director of the Pesticide Action Network UK, will conclude his impactful tenure as Chair of the Board at the end of December 2024. Beginning January 1, 2025, Punit Lalbhai, Vice Chairman of Arvind, will succeed him in the role, marking a new phase for OCA.
Keith has been part of the OCA Board since the very beginning of the organisation, back 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 with a diverse network of Contributors and partners promoting transparency and collaboration across the organic cotton supply chain.
“It has been an honour to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Organic Cotton Accelerator. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the organisation's remarkable growth and its impact on thousands of organic cotton farmers in India, Pakistan and, more recently, Türkiye. As I step down, I am filled with pride for what we’ve achieved together and have full confidence in the team’s ability to build on this momentum and create lasting change,” said Keith Tyrell.
Stepping into the role of Chair, Punit Lalbhai brings extensive expertise in sustainability and business innovation. As Vice Chairman of Arvind, one of India’s leading textile companies, and a member of the OCA Board since 2021, Punit has been at the forefront of driving sustainable practices in the textile industry, including advancements in water recycling, energy efficiency, and sustainable fabrics.
With a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Yale University and an MBA from INSEAD, Punit combines a robust academic background with strategic leadership in sustainability. His passion for environmentally conscious business practices and innovative thinking will guide OCA in its mission to create a resilient organic cotton sector that benefits people and the planet.
"I've had the good fortune of being a Board member at OCA for the last four years. 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,” shared Punit Lalbhai.
Bart Vollaard, OCA’s Executive Director, shared: “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. I am so grateful for his dedication to OCA and his connected leadership of the OCA Board. Keith certainly leaves a beautiful mark on the organisation as we move forward. 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. I am sure that with his forward-looking vision and commitment to our mission we will steer OCA toward even greater impact for farmers, Contributors, and the planet.”
