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.

Lelia Lawson, PhD, is the Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Zylotex Inc. She holds BSc, MSc and PhD degrees in Human Ecology from the University of Alberta, with research focused on the development of regenerated cellulose fibres from hemp and other high-cellulose feedstocks.

With more than 25 years of experience spanning industrial protective clothing, textile R&D, product development and advanced materials, Lelia leads Zylotex’s technology platform, fibre and process development, technical validation and IP strategy.

Her work focuses on transforming underutilized agricultural residues into high-purity cellulose, commercial fibres and next-generation advanced materials, including high-strength, hydrophobic and carbonizable cellulose-based materials.

Her focus is on advancing scalable cellulose technologies that bridge commercial fibre applications today with the next generation of advanced materials.

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.