Allbirds, Inc. has appointed Ravi Thanawala to its Board of Directors, effective September 10, 2024. Thanawala is the CFO of Papa John’s International, Inc. He also held multiple positions at Nike, Inc., including CFO for North America and global VP and CFO of the Converse brand.

Thanawala has been the CFO of Papa John’s International since July 2023 and served as interim CEO from March 2024 to August 2024. Before joining the company, Thanawala spent seven years working at Nike, Inc., including as CFO of Nike North America, Global VP and CFO of the Converse brand, and Global VP of Retail Excellence, leading key functions across the company’s business channels of franchises, licenses, direct-to-consumer, and wholesale during a time of digital transformation for the business.

“I am thrilled to join the Allbirds Board at this pivotal time for the company,” said Thanawala. “I look forward to working with the leadership team and Board, bringing my experience and long-held passion for great brands to the business as we embark on the next chapter to build long-term shareholder value.”

Before Nike, Inc., Thanawala spent eight years at Ann, Inc., holding roles of increasing responsibility in finance and operations and eventually becoming CFO of the business, a subsidiary of Ascena Retail Group, Inc.

“We are delighted to have Ravi join our Board,” said Joe Vernachio, CEO and board director. “Ravi is a seasoned consumer executive with extensive experience in the retail, footwear, apparel, and restaurant industries. We look forward to his contributions across operations and finance as we continue on our journey to make great products, tell compelling stories and deliver an engaging customer experience.”

Thanawala will replace Mandy Fields, who leaves the Board effective September 10, 2024. Allbirds said that Fields “joined the Allbirds’ Board in October 2020 and has been an outstanding member of the Board and a skillful audit committee chair.”

“On behalf of the Board, we thank Mandy for her many valuable contributions to Allbirds during the past four years,” said Vernachio. “With Mandy’s financial acumen and decades of experience working with high-growth consumer companies, she has been an invaluable partner to the entire leadership team.”

Thanawala holds a B.S. from the Stern School of Business at New York University.

Images courtesy Allbirds, Inc.