Workplace & Talent / Leadership

From Kering to Nike to Everlane, fashion and beauty companies are turning to fixers to get back on track — with mandates to steady finances, reset culture and reignite consumer desire.

The former Gucci CEO emphasised the importance of finding the right people and talent while accepting an honorary degree from the University for the Creative Arts.

In 2020, fashion pledged solidarity and systemic change. Now, as political tides have turned, only a few brands are willing to speak up — or follow through.

DEI workers are repositioning and rebranding to get contracts and retain remaining staff positions, distancing themselves from conversations around race and gender and instead prioritising their leadership expertise.

Brands like Warby Parker and Glow Recipe are thriving with two leaders at the top — but experts caution the model only works when the market conditions are right, roles are clearly defined and egos stay in check.

Sinking brand valuations, a shaky economy, and the rollback of DEI initiatives are pressuring women founders in fashion and beauty — but a new playbook is helping them navigate the storm.

From Burberry to Michael Kors and Under Armour, brands are leaning on product chiefs to navigate economic uncertainty and reignite innovation.

Brands, retailers and their employees are negotiating a new approach to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for the Trump era — and that often means avoiding the term itself.