Kirsten Griffin

Hi, I’m Kirsten Griffin. I’m just about 41, married and have a 6 year old daughter. After spending my whole life in Frankfurt, I’m taking the plunge and starting a new life in “Amiland” (that’s the German nickname for the U.S.A.). I’m a bookworm. I also love music and gardening and I torture myself with Pilates. I stumbled upon Hess Natur 13 years ago and either I latched onto it or it latched onto me. In any case, it’s going to be a pleasure to write for this blog, because it will give me an excuse to share my experiences in this completely new environment.

Stefanie Karl

I’m Steffi Karl and I’m one off those rare people whose private interests are essentially the same as my career. At hessnatur I work with worldwide production facilities, monitoring and implementing social standards. My specific responsibility is to make certain we follow ethically correct working conditions. Because different cultures, different people and travel are deep interests to me, I could not possibly have a better job!

stefanie.karl (at) hess-natur.de

Noel Klein-Reesink

My name is Noel and I’m a marketing consultant for hessnatur. I’m also very involved with LOHAS and the eco-movement through the German weblog karmakonsum.de. I lived in the US for about a year and discovered the beautiful East coast.  Let me hear from you. Together we can turn the earth into a global eco-village.

Michael Krause

My name is Michael Krause and I’m responsible for hessnatur’s brand communication. I’ve been living in Butzbach where our headquarters are for many years. And for that reason I know the brand pretty well. I studied communication sciences at the University in Gießen and I’m interested in society, sustainability and media. While not sitting in my office (with a wonderful view over the natural sourroundings of Butzbach) I read books, go to the movies or travel to foreign countries to discover some new cultures and landscapes on our planet.

Michael.Krause (at) hess-natur.de

Wolf Luedge

I am Wolf Luedge, 41 years old and since 2001 I’m CEO of hessnatur. I studied economics at the University in Gießen and worked for a Bank in Frankfurt.
In my freetime I spent time with my family: my wife Teresa and my two kids Hannah, 7 years old, and Vincent, 11 months old. My hobbies are running, diving and handball.
I started working for hessnatur in 1995 because I like the clothes made out of natural and organic fibres. And I truely believe in hessnatur’s philosophy: that mankind and nature can live together in harmony. At hessnatur I can bring in my skills and my knowledge to make a social affect. This is my job as the Managing Director: To create a “frame” for all my colleagues so that everyone in the company is able to carry hessnatur’s social and ecological responsibility. We want to bring out fair, poison-free and authentic clothings in the world and give people with that a new kind of awarness of life. Because clothes are more than what you wear they are how you choose to live.

Gernot Mickel

Hi! My name is Gernot and I’m responsible for the development of new markets — like the US. Hessnatur was born in a small town in Germany and I was born and grew up in a village nearby. In our area everyone knows hessnatur and their commitment to the environment. So, for me, working here is very important. You truly feel the spirit of the people every day. We all know we’re involved in work that reflects our values. When I’m not in my office, my passion is for outdoor sports and music. I enjoy live events and try to play the guitar. If I could choose a motto for my life it would be a quote from Paulo Coelho: “People need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they want and need.”

Gernot.Mickel (at) hess-natur.de

Darius P. Pallus

Hello, I’m Darius P. Pallus and in charge of online marketing and social media at hessnatur. Two of my passions: great (healthy and delicious) food and sports. My brother and I are known to become quite emotional when our favorite soccer team (football here!), Werder Bremen plays their game — fast and offensive. I also love riding my motor bike. Riding through the green fields and beautiful natural world of the Hessian countryside frees me from the work of the day. I began my involvement in the eco-movement with food and working at hessnatur broadened my outlook to include clothes. I hope I can inspire everyone by sharing my belief in sustainability. I agree with Hermann Hesse: “Try the impossible to reach the possible.”

Darius.Pallus (at) hess-natur.de

Irene Wilson

Spring.  My garden returns to life. I can open my windows and listen to opera as I plant. (And weed!) Or listen to the New York Yankees play baseball.  And share life’s joys with my little grandson, Tristan. And work with hessnatur.  Another blessing from nature.

Rolf Heimann

My entire career has been devoted to textile ecology, co-developing environmentally friendly and biodegradable dyes and coatings. Since 2002 I have been a board member of the International Association of the Natural Textile Industry and I enjoy recognition throughout the field as a change driver.

I’m told that I have a quiet demeanor, which tends to hide my passion for environmental protection and humane social practices, at least until you get to know me. I realized very early that if you want to change anything in a sustainable way you need a holistic approach. That is what I do. My department is absolutely unique.

In charge of the transparency of all hessnatur processes and communication, the quality of materials, and the development of continued environmental and social projects, I’m lucky enough to be at the hub of hessnatur’s cultural programs.

Away from work, my favorite pastimes are delving into far eastern cultures and playing in a Rock Band.