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The Positive Luxury Awards celebrate innovation, real change and higher standards across the supply chain – the brands, retailers or suppliers at the forefront of innovation taking serious, positive action. Judged by an independent panel that represents a cross-section of experts including academics, thought-leaders and industry executives, the Awards are an opportunity for organisations to be celebrated for showing what is possible, recognised for their innovation and rewarded for sustainability leadership in the luxury industry. By celebrating those raising the bar, we inspire others to meet higher standards. Meet the judging panel below.
Sandrine Ricard
Director Sustainability & Responsibility Communications, Pernod Ricard & Chivas Brothers
Sandrine Ricard is a seasoned leader who has been shaping Chivas Brothers’ sustainability strategy since October 2017 as the Head of Sustainability, focusing on implementing Pernod Ricard 2030 CSR roadmap, “Good Times from a Good Place”. Since July 2022, she’s also taken on the role of Deputy Director Sustainability & Responsibility for Pernod Ricard in the UK, overseeing Pernod Ricard UK and Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail in addition to Chivas Brothers. In July 2024, Sandrine was promoted to Global CSR communications director. With over 15 years in sustainability, Sandrine brings a genuine passion for Sustainable Business. Her diverse background includes work in public relations and communications in the USA.
“Being part of the judging panel for the 2026 Positive Luxury Awards provides a unique lens into how the sector is responding to growing expectations around responsibility. It’s encouraging to see how brands are integrating sustainability into the essence of luxury, through heritage, innovation, and long-term impact.”
Niclas Ekerot
Global Vice President Retail, Burberry
Niclas is a retail executive with 30 years of experience spanning Prada, Bottega, Gucci, and Burberry, leading initiatives to drive innovation and best-in-class standards that elevate customer experiences, operational standards, and sustainable practices across global retail operations, inspiring teams to achieve their best and accelerate revenue growth and long-term profitability.
“I’m excited to be part of the judging panel for the Positive Luxury Awards. Celebrating organisations that take real action and innovate responsibly inspires me, and all of us in retail, to continuously raise the bar and strive for excellence.”
Stephanie Crespin
Founder & CEO, Reflaunt
Stéphanie Crespin is a Belgo-French entrepreneur and leading advocate for sustainable fashion and the circular economy. After starting her career at Procter & Gamble managing luxury brand marketing, she founded StyleTribute.com in 2013, an online marketplace for pre-loved luxury fashion. In 2018, she launched Reflaunt, a technology platform enabling brands to integrate resale services and promote sustainable consumption. Partnering with major names like Net-a-Porter, Balenciaga, and Harvey Nichols, Crespin is transforming the fashion industry by championing quality, durability, and reuse at its core.
“I’m thrilled to join the Positive Luxury Awards jury. It’s inspiring to witness the creativity and determination of innovators driving the urgent shift toward a more sustainable future for luxury. I look forward to discovering and celebrating the pioneers who are reshaping our industry with courage and vision.”
Matt Scullin
CEO, MycoWorks
Matt is a highly accomplished technologist, entrepreneur, and investor with over two decades of experience at the forefront of energy, semiconductors, and biotechnology. Starting his journey as a teenage webmaster, he went on to found and lead multiple deep-tech companies, including Alphabet Energy (acquired by Synergy Fuels) and MycoWorks, where he pioneered mycelium-based materials now used by brands like Hermès and General Motors. A former CEO, founder, and builder of world-class teams, Matt is passionate about partnering with innovators to solve complex global challenges.
“It’s an honour to be judging the Positive Luxury Awards 2026, which celebrates luxury businesses redefining what luxury means today. The luxury industry relies on innovation that not only inspires but drives meaningful change. The businesses recognised in these awards will show how creativity and responsibility can go hand in hand to shape a more resilient, desirable, and inspiring future for luxury. I look forward to be part of it.”
Marie Lipnitzky is the Marketing, Communication & Sustainability Manager for CRAVAN, a 4-story cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Paris’s historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, where cocktail expertise meets literature, cinema, and cuisine. CRAVAN has also recently launched a collection of bottled cocktails ready to be served at home, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. Whether in the design of the cocktail bar or in the development of bottled cocktails, Marie ensures that a comprehensive CSR strategy is embedded at every stage (reuse of materials, reduction of packaging, use of fresh and seasonal products, the artisanal production of bottled recipes, etc.). Before joining CRAVAN, Marie oversaw the development and launch of Ruinart Champagne’s pioneering sustainable packaging innovation, the Second Skin Case.
“I am delighted and honoured to be part of the jury for the Positive Luxury Awards. I look forward to discovering new projects that are both meaningful and exemplary within the luxury industry. In my view, the CSR dimension is an integral part of brand desirability, and it is essential to support our world in transition.”
Eric Schwaninger
Chief Commercial Officer, DePoly
Eric is an accomplished business builder & leader with 20+ years of international experience across industries. In his current role at DePoly he is responsible for building the business strategy and the commercial operations. Prior to that he has worked within the digital and tech leaders of this world – Google & Salesforce – building digital and marketing strategies for companies of all sizes, transforming marketing and automating it to be fit for the future. Eric also developed IWCs Asian Business and has an in-depth understanding of the luxury environment, having worked within the Richemont Group for 5 years. He started his career as an internal consultant at Nestlé.
“The intersection of sustainability & luxury is exciting, with novel materials playing a key role. I look forward to being part of the panel!”
Liane Ng
Director of Sustainability, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group
Lianne Ng is the Director of Sustainability at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group (CTFJ), where she leads the development and execution of the Group’s sustainability strategy and action plans. She is responsible for driving progress toward CTFJ’s long-term ESG goals and embedding sustainable practices across the organisation. Before joining CTFJ, Lianne held several senior roles in sustainability, including serving as Director of External Affairs and Sustainability at Vitasoy International, where she led the company’s sustainability strategy and external communications, helping elevate its ESG performance. Before transitioning into sustainability leadership, Lianne built a diverse career in corporate communications, public affairs, government relations and community engagement, working with several multinational companies.
“As Director of Sustainability at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, I’m honoured to join the judging panel for the Positive Luxury Awards 2026. It’s a privilege to celebrate brands that are redefining luxury through purpose, innovation, and responsible leadership.”
Cory Connors
Host, Sustainable Packaging Podcast
With over 25 years in the industry, Cory has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable packaging and helping companies reduce their environmental impact through smarter packaging solutions. His journey began while working at a Weyerhaeuser corrugated production facility during college, where he gained firsthand insight into how corrugated materials are made and how they can be optimised for efficiency and sustainability. Today, Cory continues to drive change as the host of the Sustainable Packaging Podcast, where he explores emerging innovations and highlights the urgency of transitioning to more sustainable practices.
“Being asked to judge the Positive Luxury awards is a real honor. It’s exciting to be a part of this process that celebrates sustainability in packaging and more. After 28 years in this industry, I still get to learn new things and be impressed by new innovations every day.”
Eva Lagarde
CEO & Founder, re/sources
Eva has 20 years’ international experience in the beauty industry, in innovation and product development, and on the events and media side. Thanks to the re/sources, a news and intelligence platform dedicated to beauty and sustainability, Eva is now helping beauty brand marketers develop better products with sustainability at the core. Forward-thinker Eva always scouts the latest trends and innovations from brands and suppliers, hosting regular events to support beauty professionals in making informed decisions and building stronger brand portfolios and better “sustainable” marketing claims.
“The Positive Luxury Awards shine a light on the changemakers shaping a more sustainable luxury industry. They celebrate impactful case studies that offer professionals practical insights to apply within their own organisations.”
Tom Owtram
Founder & Editor, Between the Vines
Tom Owtram is the founder and editor of Between the Vines, a media and events platform exploring the people, producers and ideas shaping how we eat, drink and connect. Through storytelling and experiences, Tom is building a community of brands and organisations that believe in the power of story to spark conversation, create understanding and inspire positive change.
“I’m honoured to join the judging panel for the Positive Luxury Awards. The drinks industry is full of producers and brands with unique stories to tell, and I’m excited to help celebrate those leading with integrity, creativity and a commitment to a more sustainable future.”
Emma Fox
Founder & Editor, Between the Vines
Emma became Chief Executive of Berry Bros & Rudd in August 2020, after serving as an Independent Director since 2017. She has over 30 years of retail and hospitality experience in the UK and North America, beginning her career as a wine trainee buyer with Bass PLC. She spent 14 years at Asda/Walmart in senior commercial roles, including two years in Toronto as CMO for Walmart Canada, and chaired Walmart’s Global President’s Council of Women Leaders. Emma later joined Halfords as Commercial Director and then led a private-equity-backed UK retailer through a major turnaround before returning to BB&R. She has also held Independent Director positions with Punch Taverns and City Pubs Group.
Amir Afshar
Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, Shellworks
Amir Afshar is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Shellworks, where he leads the development of Vivomer, a genuine alternative to plastic. Trained as both an architect and an engineer, with master’s degrees from the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London, Amir has spent the past 15 years at the intersection of design, engineering, and science. His work is driven by a belief that the future of materials must be as functional as they are environmentally responsible.
“It’s a pleasure to be part of the 2026 Positive Luxury Awards and to help celebrate the businesses setting new standards for sustainability and innovation across the industry.”
Harriet Whittaker
Editor, Professional Jeweller
Harriet is an editor and journalist specialising in the jewellery industry. She spearheads the award-winning B2B jewellery title, Professional Jeweller, which covers everything from retail, business, trends, sustainability, and more. Having recently held its annual awards, the ceremony recognised a number of key players, including categories spotlighting CSR and ESG changemakers.
“I’m honoured and thrilled to join the judging panel for the Positive Luxury Awards 2026. Having a part in shaping a sustainable future and celebrating brands that are delivering changes to make this happen is exciting. I look forward to helping recognise the innovators raising the bar for the luxury sector, and shine a light on what purpose-led excellence can look like.”
Stephanie Hall
Group Sales & Marketing Director, Exclusive Collection
Stephanie has spent over 14 years with Exclusive Collection, rising from general manager to group sales and marketing director before joining the board in 2023. She has played a key role in shaping the company’s strategy, governance and brand direction, driving major commercial gains including a year that exceeded budget by more than £10 million. Stephanie has led a cultural and strategic shift centred on sensory design and distinct brand identities, and has overseen two major product launches: Ansty Hall’s addition to the Collection and The Reeds lodges at South Lodge.
“I am delighted to take part in The Positive Luxury Awards 2026, celebrating brands that are proving excellence and sustainability can go hand in hand. As a B Corp company, Exclusive Collection believe that true luxury isn’t just about exceptional experiences; it is about creating a positive impact for people and planet, with both of these principles at the heart of every decision made. I’m honoured to help recognise the brands leading the way to inspire meaningful change across industries.”
