Phil Townsend

Phil Townsend is a senior sustainability professional currently working at Primark, a major retail company. His current role at Primark is Senior Sustainability Manager, focusing on areas such as Biodiversity, Chemistry, Water Stewardship, and Raw Materials.3

Career History

Prior to his current position, Phil held the role of Senior Technical Manager - Environmental Sustainability at Primark.14 His career also includes experience at Marks and Spencer, where he worked in various positions, including Technical Lead.

Expertise and Reputation

Phil Townsend is known for his extensive knowledge and passion for environmental sustainability. He is particularly recognized for his expertise in:

• Biodiversity
• Environmental sustainability
• Raw materials in the textile industry
• Climate change impacts on the cotton industry

Colleagues and industry professionals regard Phil highly, with one describing him as "an absolute legend" whose "knowledge and passion for the environment is second to none".2

Contributions and Initiatives

In his role at Primark, Phil has been involved in several significant sustainability initiatives:

1. Sustainable Cotton Programme: Phil has been working on scaling up Primark's Sustainable Cotton Programme.1

2. Climate Change Adaptation: He has emphasized the need for collective action on climate adaptation in the cotton industry, ensuring that producers and their communities are not left behind.1

3. Biodiversity Focus: As part of his current role, Phil is actively involved in biodiversity management within the retail sector.35

Phil Townsend's work demonstrates a commitment to driving sustainable practices in the retail and textile industries, with a particular focus on environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.