BRANDS
Discover how we empower fashion brands, retailers, and manufacturers to transform their operations with sustainable solutions. From eco-friendly design to streamlined production and secure payment systems, we’re here to help you build a profitable, transparent, and environmentally responsible future.
Let’s create the change we want to see—together.
Sustainable Brands is a seasoned team of professionals with extensive experience in sustainable production, design, brand building, marketing, and sales.
We act as the critical link between fabric producers, ready-to-wear garment factories, and retailers—streamlining the product development process by removing unnecessary intermediaries.
Based in Stockholm, Sustainable Brands brings over 20 years of expertise and networking within the Scandinavian fashion and sportswear markets. We are dedicated to bridging the gap between source and end-consumer, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability at every step of the journey.
Our Company
Our Team
Hakan Ökmen
Irem Yildirim
Mark Gabay
Göran Eriksson
Anita Barr
Oya Barlas Bingül
David Walker-Smith
Mehmet Guner
Our Team
David Walker-Smith
UK
David is a distinguished Retail Executive, widely recognized for his influential role in shaping the fashion and beauty industry. Armed with a BA Hon degree in fashion design, he embarked on a highly successful 16-year career at Selfridges, where he ascended to the Exec Board in 2011.
Fortnum & Mason April 2021: Creation of strategic document driving the profit of the flagship store in London through creative vision, new product categories and customer experiences.
Intu Spain May 2019 - April 2021 : Consultant on a new global resort Intu Costa del Sol negotiating to heads of terms luxury brands and the creation of the largest Beauty Hall in the world.
Galeria de Canalejas Madrid May 2017 - May 2018. Created the vision, defined the luxury brand strategy, adjacencies, brand location map,services and F&B strategy. Negotiated to heads of terms Hermes.
Fenwick of Bond Street January 2013 - April 2016: Managing Director.
Selfridges January 1997 - January 2013: Board Member and Exec Buying & Merchandising Director Menswear, Home, Technology and Beauty and Fragrance.
Irem Yildirim
UK
Experienced brand manager with a track record of working in the retail industry. Skilled in fashion and textile design, sustainability, trend analyses, creative content design, and digital advertising. Strong marketing professional with courses focused on fashion marketing and brand management from St. Martins College.
Mehmet Guner
Turkey
Mehmet Guner is a Senior Sustainability Advisor with a focus on developing and implementing sustainability strategies in the textile and apparel sectors. His role will involve advising on sustainable product development and energy efficiency, ensuring that the partnership meets its environmental goals while aligning with global best practices.
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Textile engineer with 25+ years of experince in the industry
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Based in Istanbul, Turkey with vast network of manufacturers in the whole country
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11 years of sustainability role at MARKS&SPENCER Turkey Office
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Brand regional office work experience with Nike, JC
Penney
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Manufacturer work experience with Milteks
Hakan Ökmen
Sweden
Hakan Ökmen leads the global business development efforts, focusing on promoting eco-friendly products and solutions across key markets in Sweden. His strategic insights and extensive network will be crucial in expanding the partnership’s reach and facilitating new business opportunities.
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30+ years of experince in textile industry
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Based in Stockholm, Sweden for over 35 years
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Sourcing experience for major Scandinavian brands
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5+ years of recycle know-how in textile industry with a focus on waste collection + sorting facility + brand collaboration and marketing
Mark Gabay
Sweden
Mark Gabay is the Asia Business Development Manager, leveraging over 30 years of experience in apparel sourcing, procurement, and sustainability. His extensive network in Asia and expertise in managing complex supply chains will help establish and expand the partnership’s operations in key markets like China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Göran Eriksson
Sweden
Göran has extensive experience in retail, both as CEO and sales manager. In recent years, the focus has been on developing and selling the proprietary platform Splitgrid.
Anita Barr
UK
Anita, a luminary in the fashion and retail industry, boasts a distinguished 32- year career, with 26 yearsdedicated to shaping London's premier department stores. Starting at Harrods, she refined her skills over eight years,laying the foundation for a remarkable trajectory. During her 13-year tenure at Selfridges, Anita rose to the role of Director of Women's, Children's, and Menswear, leaving an enduring mark on the flagship store's aesthetic and contributing to the ambitious Oxford Street fashion master plan.
Harvey Nichols. April 2014 - February 2018 Global Group Fashion Buying Director.
Selfridges. January 2000 - August 2013 Womenswear & Childrenswear. Buying & Merchandising Director & Menswear Buying & MerchandisingDirector.
Harrods. 1992 - January 2000 Buyer for Way-In Men’s, Ladies and Denim.