World of Good Poised to Take Fair Trade Gifts and Housewares Mainstream With Addition of Howard Ronder to Management Team
Aug 22, 2006

PRNewswire

Former Gaiam VP and LOHAS Market Veteran Named VP of Marketing


BERKELEY, Calif. -- World of Good, a rapidly growing fair trade gifts, housewares, and accessories company carrying handcrafted products from artisans in more than 31 countries around the world, today announced that it has hired Howard Ronder as Vice President of Marketing. In this capacity, Ronder will help to grow the brand from a successful entrepreneurial venture with targeted retail distribution and a passionate grass roots following, to a nationally recognized brand with a broad multi- channel distribution footprint.
Ronder brings 20 years experience in brand marketing and creative direction to World of Good. Formerly VP of Marketing and Creative for Gaiam and a veteran of the burgeoning LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) consumer goods industry, Ronder's primary objectives will be to grow World of Good into a nationally recognized household brand that is synonymous with ethically sourced gifts and sustainable business practices. His additional responsibilities include growing the retail channel and increasing existing in-store sales through improved merchandising and promotions. Ronder will also lead efforts to build a more direct relationship with the consumer through online marketing, in-store communications and other initiatives.

"We've tapped a growing need for ethically sourced sustainable goods -- and Howard Ronder is ideally suited to help us bring our unique offerings to a wider audience," said Priya Haji, World of Good CEO and co-founder. "Howard's creativity and vision for the brand, coupled with his broad range of talents across the marketing discipline and his extensive knowledge and experience with the LOHAS consumer, will help us take our business to the next level. The addition of Howard to our executive management team is an indication of our commitment to building the brand, while we stay true to its founding principles."

Ronder spent nine years at Gaiam, a leading LOHAS lifestyle brand, where he served as Vice President of Marketing and Creative. Through innovative marketing programs, Ronder helped take Gaiam from a small, little-known cataloguer to an internationally recognized media lifestyle brand with retail partnerships in natural foods, specialty, mass and publishing channels. By developing a cohesive vision for disparate brand segments, he built marketing programs across multiple channels -- from direct mail to ecommerce, consumer packaging, products and services, media, and retail -- growing revenue from $35 million to $150 million during his tenure with the company. A CLIO award winner with a strong creative aesthetic and a background in advertising and design, Ronder's 20-year marketing career includes blue chip branding experience with companies including IBM, AT&T, and American Express.

"There's a growing movement around ethically sourced sustainable goods, and World of Good has been at the forefront of this phenomenon," said Ronder. "As the market grows, the company has an enormous opportunity to fuel awareness for the space, shape the industry and benefit thousands around the world. I'm thrilled to join the team at this pivotal juncture."

World of Good has carved out a new space in the Fair Trade movement by delivering beautifully handcrafted goods -- including jewelry, scarves, bags, home goods and accessories -- to the U.S. consumer market. The company works with more than 150 artisan groups, NGOs, and non-profits in 31 developing countries, generating sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans and their families.

In just two years, World of Good has doubled its retail distribution in natural food stores and national bookstore outlets, while increasing its artisan partners by 15%. In 2006, the company expanded its product offerings from the original categories of gifts and accessories, to debut a new and growing housewares line. Through strong merchandising, strategic retail partnerships and high-quality products, World of Good has amassed a loyal grass-roots following and has increased visibility with both trade and consumer audiences.

For more information on World of Good, visit www.worldofgood.com

Founded in 2004, World of Good is a leading fair trade gift company, bringing beautiful, high-quality handcrafted jewelry, scarves, bags, gifts, housewares and accessories to U.S. markets. Working with more than 150 artisan groups, NGOs, and non profits in 31 developing countries around the world, the company facilitates sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans and their families. Today, World of Good products can be found in natural food stores, bookstores, and specialty retailers nationwide, and at www.worldofgood.com.

World of Good: Development Organization, the company's 501(c)(3) non- profit arm, is dedicated to investing in economic and social development projects in craft-producer communities throughout the world, and building a stronger Fair Trade crafts movement in the United States. World of Good created employment for the disabled in Cambodia and for HIV positive women in Swaziland. The company has promoted anti-child-labor activism in India, provided Tsunami relief in Sri Lanka, and supported educational programs in Guatemala and Nepal.