Lelia is the founder and Chief Technology Officer of Zylotex™. She holds a BSc and MSc in Human Ecology (Textiles & Clothing) and is currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on regenerated cellulosic fibres derived from hemp feedstock.

With over two decades experience in industrial personal protective clothing, Lelia brings deep expertise in textiles, product development, and quality systems.

Lelia leads Zylotex™ in sustainable lyocell manufacturing, serves on the Board of Directors for both the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance and the Alberta Hemp Alliance, and is the Co-Chair of the Research & Development Committee for the Canadian Textile Industry Association. Her passion lies in unlocking hemp’s potential as a cornerstone of the green economy, driving a vision of a regenerative, circular future for textiles. 

Wade Chute, P.Eng. is the co-founder of Zylotex™ and Chief Technical Officer of Plantae Technologies Inc., with over 34 years of experience in biomass processing and fibre innovation. A licensed Professional Engineer (APEGA) and sessional instructor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta, Wade combines deep technical expertise with a passion for sustainable materials.

His career spans mechanical and chemical pulping, MDF production, and extensive R&D in wood and agricultural fibres for pulp, composites, and biochemicals. Through his process consultancy—Techfibre Industries—he led early-stage process design and R&D consulting across the bio-industrial sector. Today, Wade continues to drive innovation in renewable fibre technologies through his leadership at ZyloTex™  and Plantae Technologies.

Ken Barker is the Chief Executive Officer of ZyloTex™, with over 30 years of global experience in performance apparel and sustainable fibre technologies. Born in South Africa, Ken launched his career by founding an athletic apparel company, later acquired by Bata Canada. He went on to hold senior executive roles in South African apparel firms, leading global licensing deals before relocating to Canada in 1998.

In Canada, Ken served as General Merchandise Manager for Levi Strauss Canada and later as Director of Apparel for Adidas Canada. He was soon promoted to Head of Apparel for adidas North America, based in the U.S. In 2006, he co-founded The Meriwether Group, where he led early investments in emerging technologies—including Crailar Technologies, where he served as CEO. Under his leadership, Crailar pioneered bast fibre innovation, securing global partnerships with brands like adidas, IKEA, Levi Strauss, and Lenzing.

Before joining ZyloTex™, Ken ran a strategic advisory firm supporting growth-stage consumer brands, including BN3TH and Nordic Kayaks. He brings a deep track record in scaling fibre-based innovations and resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with his wife.