Laura Hoch

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT LAURA HOCH

I’m an Innovation Leader and Sustainable Materials Expert with over 15 years of experience driving technical strategy, managing cross-functional R&D portfolios, and leading high-impact material innovation programs. My work has touched on everything from early-stage technology scouting through full-scale commercialization, with a consistent focus on solving complex problems related to sustainability, chemistry, and real-world performance. At Patagonia, I led company-wide efforts to eliminate PFAS and silver from global product lines. These initiatives impacted over 70% of products and clearly demonstrated that ambitious sustainability goals can be met without compromising the high performance standards expected by Patagonia and its customers.I thrive in ambiguity and specialize in bringing clarity to complex technical challenges. Whether guiding joint development agreements with external R&D partners, advising corporate venture teams on technical due diligence, or translating complex chemistry into actionable insights for business leaders, I operate with equal parts technical depth and collaborative energy. I have a diverse technical background – textiles, electronics, catalysis, carbon capture and utilization, green chemistry, polymers and composites – and I’m always looking for the next challenge. I\'m passionate about advancing solutions at the intersection of performance and sustainability, and I’m always open to connecting with others who share a drive to build a more sustainable future.