Our Experts

Joe, Ecology Services Director, is responsible for the delivery of OEKO-TEX® certification and auditing services at Shirley. He has over 15 years’ experience in the TIC (Testing, Inspection and Certification) sector, with a background in environmental technologies, metrology and auditing.

Through 20 years in the Shirley® chemistry department and participation in working groups and standards committees, Gareth has extensive knowledge of chemical testing, restrictions, and the role of chemicals in the textile industry. Coupling this with a broad understanding of multiple levels of textile manufacturing enables him to support our clients with regulatory barriers, OEKO-TEX® certification, investigations, and manufacturing challenges.

As Method Development Manager, Paul leads new project initiatives within the chemistry department. With 15 years of experience in analytical chemistry, Paul specialises in chromatographic techniques and supports clients through tailored investigations and bespoke analysis solutions.

Tori is the International Operations Manager for BTTG® and Shirley®, she has over nine years experience of Textiles Technology and Testing gained through a range of roles within Technical Customer Service Team of BTTG®. Her understanding of our business and technical knowledge aids communications between the UK and our International staff.

Ian, Technical Textiles Specialist, has over 28 years’ experience working in textile testing laboratories. His primary role is managing the technical support, expertise and response to operational, technical and legislative queries for external clients as well as for internal product and test development and investigative work. Ian is a qualified Expert Witness (Civil) and a is Chartered Fellow of the Textile Institute and holds BSc, HNC and ONC qualifications in Textile Technology and acts as UK expert to some 20+ ISO committees and working groups dealing with textile standardisation.

Cristina is the Section Leader of Microbiology and Biochemistry at Shirley® and BTTG®, she has over 8 years’ experience in microbiology testing gained in different industries in the UK, including food and drink and medical devices. Cristina’s role is supervising all microbiology tests including bacterial, fungal, and viral testing, addressing any queries customers may have related to microbiology and is in charge of the GMO testing for OEKO-TEX® certification.

Francesca is the UK Country Manager for Shirley®, overseeing the UK customer base and also customers globally in regions without local Shirley® representation. Prior to this she worked as a Senior Technical Officer for Shirley®, primarily on OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and so brings technical experience of the certification process, to this role more focused in customer support. She has over a decade of experience working in textiles across textile production, quality, supply chain management and product development.

Enrique Martinez has worked at Shirley® for over eight years and manages audits for all OEKO-TEX® products, including STANDARD 100, ORGANIC, RECYCLED, ECOPASSPORT, LEATHER, and MADE IN GREEN. He is the Lead Auditor for STeP (Sustainable Textile and Leather Production) certification.

Enrique holds Master’s degrees in Chemistry and Health & Safety and is a Certified Member of IOSH. Enrique is part of the Shirley® Management Team, the STeP Guidebook Group, and contributes to the annual OEKO-TEX® STeP Technical Meeting.

Certification Manager, Agustina Oliver, has over 15 years’ experience in the certification, testing, textiles, and chemical industry. As a Certification Manager and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, LEATHER STANDARD and ORGANIC COTTON® product lead, Agustina guides clients through the OEKO-TEX® certification process ensuring they obtain certification. Agustina is also a member of the STANDARD 100® Guidebook and Recycled Guidebook working groups.