Green Theme Expands Leadership for EMPEL® Scale-Up

Green Theme Technologies (GTT), known for its breakthrough PFAS-free DWR finish EMPEL®, has announced the appointments of Barrett Mooney, Ph.D., as Chief Operating Officer and Vasav Sahni, Ph.D., as Chief Technology Officer. These key leadership additions mark EMPEL’s evolution from an innovation-led initiative to a scalable commercial product, aligning with the growing global demand and shifting regulatory landscape.

Dr. Mooney, a veteran CEO and operations strategist, brings over 15 years of experience in scaling tech-driven manufacturing businesses. He has successfully raised more than $150 million in funding and led organizations through global expansion. Known for his expertise in implementing enterprise systems and streamlining manufacturing, he will lead GTT’s scale-up and commercialization of EMPEL® with operational discipline and transparency.

Dr. Sahni, an expert in sustainable chemistry and polymer science, has previously held senior R&D roles at 3M, Zymergen, and Ginkgo Bioworks. He has made impactful contributions in biomimicry, adhesives, and coatings. A graduate of IIT Delhi and the University of Akron, he is well-published and recognized in the scientific community. As CTO, he will direct the technical roadmap of EMPEL®, including application science and next-gen innovations.

“These are not just hires — they are statements to the market,” said Tom Lopez, CEO of GTT. “Barrett and Vasav bring world-class leadership that reassures investors, brands, and regulators that EMPEL® isn’t just a better DWR — it’s a viable, scalable solution at the exact moment the industry needs one.”

Their appointments also align with GTT’s expansion in Asia, as the company grows its Taiwan-based operations and sales teams to support mill onboarding and capacity planning as EMPEL® nears commercialization.