InterfaceFLOR Appoints Ramon Arratia as European Sustainability Director

16 June 2008:

InterfaceFLOR, a worldwide leader in the design and production of environmentally-responsible modular flooring and the recent recipient of a prestigious Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development, has appointed a new European Sustainability Director.

Ramon Arratia joins InterfaceFLOR after five years at the Vodafone Group where he held the position of Senior Group Corporate Responsibility Manager.

Arratia is tasked with providing direction and leadership for InterfaceFLOR in the area of sustainability, across the EMEA region. His focus will be on continuing to develop the InterfaceFLOR sustainability strategy towards Mission Zero, at the same time as reviewing existing offerings and business processes to ensure that they are as sustainable as possible. He will also address the social aspect of sustainability, drawing on his previous experience, while ensuring that sustainability continues to be closely integrated in every part of the InterfaceFLOR business.

In addition, Arratia will assume responsibility for InterfaceRAISE in Europe. This is a new consultancy service being launched in partnership with Ashridge Consulting, a subsidiary of Ashridge Business School. Its aim is to help businesses to find practical ways of accelerating performance based on sustainability principles.

Commenting on his new role, Arratia said, "InterfaceFLOR has always been a company I've admired. It has a powerful vision, led from the top, and is making fundamental changes to every part of its business in its drive to achieve absolute sustainability. The degree to which sustainability is embedded in the company is rare and I relish the challenge of helping improve it even more."

Lindsey Parnell, President and CEO of InterfaceFLOR in Europe added, “We are delighted to welcome Ramon to InterfaceFLOR. He brings a wealth of experience gained at one of the world’s leading consumer brands. He also has passion and drive, which I see as the vital ingredients for helping InterfaceFLOR maintain its leading environmental position within Europe.”

Ramon is currently completing an MBA at Warwick Business School, and holds an MSC in Quality Management and a degree in chemistry, which gives him an in-depth understanding of some of the more technical aspects of product development in the sustainability sector.

About InterfaceFLOR
InterfaceFLOR is the modular flooring division of Interface Inc., based in Atlanta, USA. The company is a worldwide leader in the production of environmentally-responsible modular floor coverings and other textiles.

In Europe, InterfaceFLOR has manufacturing facilities in Craigavon Northern Ireland; Halifax, West Yorkshire and Scherpenzeel in Holland, plus sales offices in most major cities. Modular flooring for the home is available through Heuga Home Flooring.

Mission Zero: InterfaceFLOR is committed to becoming a fully sustainable company, leaving zero footprint by 2020.