Jad Finck
About Jad Finck
Jad Finck serves as the Vice President of Innovation & Sustainability at Allbirds, where he has worked since 2016. With a background in engineering and business, he has led significant developments in sustainable materials, including Sweetfoam™ and Plant Leather™, and holds 15 patents in bio-materials.
Current Role at Allbirds
Jad Finck serves as the Vice President of Innovation & Sustainability at Allbirds, a position he has held since 2016. In this role, he focuses on developing sustainable materials and innovative practices within the footwear industry. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing Allbirds' commitment to environmental responsibility and product innovation.
Previous Experience
Before joining Allbirds, Jad Finck held various engineering and management positions. He worked at Friede & Goldman, Ltd. as a Project Manager and Senior Structural Engineer from 1998 to 2001. He also served as a Structural Engineer at Bechtel from 1996 to 1998 and later as a Project Manager and Senior Mechanical Engineer at Bechtel from 2001 to 2003. Additionally, he was involved in commercial operations and business development at Solazyme, Inc. from 2010 to 2016 and worked at Chevron as a Venture Capital Principal from 2005 to 2010.
Education and Expertise
Jad Finck earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the USC Marshall School of Business, where he studied Finance and Strategy from 2003 to 2005. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, completed from 1992 to 1996. His educational background supports his expertise in engineering, business development, and sustainable innovation.
Innovative Contributions
Jad Finck has led significant projects in sustainable materials development. He was pivotal in the creation of Sweetfoam™, the first carbon-negative sneaker foam, and Plant Leather™, a plant-based alternative to traditional leather. He also contributed to the development of the Tree Flyer, which features 'same-shoe recycling' technology, enhancing circularity in footwear.
Patents and Recognition
Jad Finck holds 15 published patents related to high-performance bio-materials and footwear construction. His work has garnered recognition, including the 2023 Fast Company's Best Innovation by Design award for Allbirds' M0.0NSHOT, highlighting his impact on sustainable design and innovation in the industry.