OrthoLite, acquired by Coats Group last October, named Marius Wirtz as CEO, effective July 15. OrthoLite founder and current CEO Glenn Barrett will work closely with Wirtz as a senior advisor at Coats and join the Coats Group executive team. 

Wirtz reportedly brings a “wealth of global leadership experience in materials and specialty chemicals, with deep expertise in polyurethane (PU) applications in footwear. He has a strong track record of leading international businesses at scale, according to Coats. 

He was formerly at Covestro, a maker of polymer materials and performance plastics spun off from Bayer in 2015 and formerly known as Bayer MaterialScience. He was at Covestro for just over 12 years, with his last role being EVP, head of Supply Chain Asia Pacific/managing director, Covestro Hong Kong. Coats said Wirtz has “worked with some of the world’s leading footwear and sports brands on materials innovation across the value chain.” 

Prior to Covestro, he was at Bayer for 11 years. 

Wirtz will be based in Hong Kong and report to Pasquale Abruzzese, footwear CEO and group COO, Coats Group. He’ll join OrthoLite on June 15 and assume the CEO role after a planned transition period with Barrett. 

“It’s been the honor of my life to serve the footwear industry and build incredible relationships through OrthoLite, and to now pass the torch to Marius,” said Barrett. “This company has been built on the power of trust, relationships and collaboration, and I have every confidence that this approach will continue to drive OrthoLite’s next chapter of growth.” 

Under Barrett’s leadership, OrthoLite “pioneered the use of open-cell PU technology in footwear, establishing a vertically integrated global platform and component brand recognized for its performance, comfort and sustainability credentials. Ortholite’s insoles can be found in llver 550 million shoes across all categories.” 

“Glenn leaves behind an incredible legacy in OrthoLite — both for Coats and the wider industry,” said Abruzzese. “We’re delighted he will continue to support us as a senior advisor at Coats as we advance our strategy and strengthen our position as the footwear industry’s most value-adding partner.” 

Images courtesy Coats Group