07 Feb 2025 Rob Purvy Takes on Expanded Role at Algenesis to Drive Growth in Sustainable Footwear Innovation
San Diego, CA – February 4, 2025 – Algenesis Labs, a pioneer in biodegradable and plant-based materials, is proud to announce that industry veteran Rob Purvy has joined the company in a leading sales role. With over 30 years of experience in the athletic footwear and sportswear industry, Rob will play a pivotal role in increasing the adoption of Algenesis’s groundbreaking Soleic® technology across the footwear market.
A Proven Leader in Footwear and Sustainability
Rob’s career has spanned every facet of the footwear industry, from retail to global product development. Starting as a sales associate at Footlocker®, he quickly rose through the ranks at Reebok®, where he spent over a decade in various leadership roles, including Co-Managing Director of Global Footwear Product Development. His journey continued at Adidas®, where he helped drive the explosive growth of Adidas® Basketball, and later at Skechers®, Vans®, And1®, and Hoka®.
Rob has also been a driving force behind disruptive innovations in the footwear industry. As a co-founder of Dunk.net, the first e-commerce sportswear brand, and Ballerz World, a digital basketball media platform, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology and commerce in the space. Most recently, he played a critical role in the development and launch of BLUEVIEW® Footwear, the world’s first 100% biodegradable shoe, developed with Algenesis’s proprietary Soleic® technology. Soleic® is designed to break down without leaving behind harmful microplastics, which pose significant risks to both environmental and human health. By eliminating persistent plastic waste, Soleic® materials offer a safer and more sustainable alternative for the footwear industry.
Bringing Circularity to the Footwear Industry
In his new role at Algenesis, Rob will leverage his deep industry expertise to forge strategic partnerships and accelerate the transition to truly sustainable footwear.
“Rob’s vast experience in the footwear industry, coupled with his passion for sustainability, always made him an invaluable part of our team, and with this expanded role in sales, we’re now poised to make a significant impact in replacing petroleum-based plastics with plant-based, biodegradable materials at scale. ” said Stephen Mayfield, CEO of Algenesis Labs. ”
Rob is equally enthusiastic about the opportunity to drive change. “The footwear industry has long struggled with its environmental footprint, but Algenesis has created a game-changing solution,” he said. “I’m excited to help bring Soleic® materials to brands that are ready to embrace true circularity and sustainability.”
With Rob at the helm of sales, Algenesis is set to accelerate its mission to eliminate plastic waste and revolutionize the footwear industry with plant-based, biodegradable, high-performance materials.
About Algenesis Labs
Algenesis Labs is a leader in sustainable materials, using cutting-edge science to create durable, biodegradable, plant-based polymers. Rooted in UCSD research excellence, Algenesis’s commercially available Soleic® branded materials enable businesses to reduce plastic pollution today, while maintaining high-performance standards.
Media Contact:
Sandra Watts, Director of Marketing
Algenesis Labs info@algenesislabs.com www.soleicmaterials.com