Emma Foster-Geering

Emma Foster-Geering is a highly accomplished international sustainability professional currently serving as the Director of Sustainability at Vivobarefoot, a minimalist footwear company.

Education and Early Career

• She holds a Bachelor of Construction Project Management from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), which she completed in 2013. During her time at UTS, she was involved in a cadetship that included developing an Environmental Plan for the Sydney Opera House and participated in the UTS Construction for Developing Communities Project, where she helped construct a school in a remote Aboriginal community.1

Professional Experience

• After graduating, Emma worked on high-profile construction projects in Sydney, including the Desalination Plant, where she managed environmental approvals and impact mitigation. She also spent several years in Western Australia managing the environmental impact of multi-billion dollar mining and infrastructure projects.1
• Prior to joining Vivobarefoot, Emma worked as Sustainability Manager for Associated British Foods plc, where she led environmental sustainability initiatives for the clothing retailer Primark. She also played a crucial role in eliminating hazardous chemicals from luxury fashion brand Burberry's global supply chain.1
• Emma has extensive experience in helping businesses manage the impact of their supply chains on biodiversity and develop globally sustainable solutions. She has collaborated with various NGOs, including Greenpeace, WWF, the Wilderness Society, and Landcare.1

Current Role at Vivobarefoot

• At Vivobarefoot, Emma continues to drive sustainability initiatives, aligning with the company's existing ethic and mindset of sustainability. She has been instrumental in shaping Vivobarefoot's sustainability vision and has contributed to the company's B-Corp certification.235

Additional Contributions

• Emma is recognized for her advocacy in sustainability, often challenging industries where sustainability is merely a buzzword. She is a long-term volunteer and has contributed to projects such as the Sunflower Orphanage in Cambodia, where she taught English and built classrooms and communal eating areas.1

Other Affiliations

• Emma has also been associated with RM Williams, where she held a role as Senior Manager of Sustainable Materials.4

Her work and contributions have been widely recognized, including receiving the Design, Architecture and Building Award from UTS for her significant impact on sustainability on an international scale.1