Change at OrthoLite as Glenn Barrett prepares to move on
Parent group Coats has announced that Marius Wirtz is to take over as chief executive of its insole brand OrthoLite. He will take over from OrthoLite founder, Glenn Barrett, on July 15.
Mr Barrett, who has run OrthoLite for nearly 30 years, will take up a senior advisory role in the wider Coats Group and become part of the group’s executive team.
Marius Wirtz will step into the role after a long career at Bayer and Covestro. He served, most recently, as Covestro’s head of supply chain in Asia and as managing director of its operation in Hong Kong. In his new leadership role at OrthoLite, he will continue to be based in Hong Kong.
He said he was thrilled to be joining OrthoLite “at such a pivotal and exciting time”, adding that he was honoured to continue the legacy that Glenn Barrett has built.
He will report to Pasquale Abruzzese, who is the chief executive of Coats Footwear and chief operating officer of the Coats Group.
For his part, Glenn Barrett said: “It has been the honour of my life to serve the footwear industry and build incredible relationships through OrthoLite. This company has been built on the power of trust, relationships and collaboration, and I have every confidence that this approach will continue to drive OrthoLite’s next chapter of growth.”
"Glenn leaves behind an incredible legacy in OrthoLite – both for Coats and the wider industry,” said Pasquale Abruzzese, Footwear CEO & Group COO, Coats Group. “We’re delighted he will continue to support us as a Senior Advisor at Coats as we advance our strategy and strengthen our position as the footwear industry’s most value-adding partner.”
Coats completed its acquisition of OrthoLite in October 2025, marking what it has called a major milestone in its long-term strategic plan by expanding its footwear solutions into the high-growth premium insole segment.
Under Glenn Barrett’s leadership, OrthoLite pioneered the use of open-cell PU technology in footwear, establishing a vertically integrated global platform and component brand recognised for its performance, comfort and sustainability credentials.
