Tapestry hires first chief inclusion and social impact officer

To receive the Vogue Business newsletter, sign up here. Tapestry has appointed David L. Casey as its first chief inclusion and social impact officer as the industry hires more figureheads to signal it's prioritising diversity and inclusion. Reporting to Tapestry CEO Joanne Crevoiserat and global human resources officer Sarah Dunn, Casey will be responsible for leading the company’s equity, inclusion and diversity strategy and overseeing its social impact efforts, which include advocacy, philanthropy and volunteering. “Tapestry’s approach to corporate responsibility is based on driving real, measurable change towards a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable world,” a statement from Crevoiserat reads. “We believe that difference sparks brilliance and are building a culture where our employees can be their authentic selves.” The company has spent the last two years ramping up its diversity and inclusion initiatives. In February 2021 it partnered with the Black in Fashion Council Active Allyship Pledge, which aims to secure the advancement of Black individuals in the fashion and beauty industries. It also partnered with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide mentorship for students. In December 2021, the company, alongside PVH, pledged $1 million to become a founding member of Fashion Institute of Technology’s Social Justice Centre, which increases opportunities for the BIPOC community in creative industries. Tapestry has also tied 10 per cent of its annual incentive compensation to equity, inclusion and diversity goals. Major luxury players have been steadily formalising diversity and inclusion efforts with dedicated programmes and, in some cases, hiring chief diversity and inclusion officers, since the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. In particular, brands that are publicly traded and those that have come under fire for missteps are likely to see value in a chief diversity and inclusion officer. Having a figurehead is often also useful for brands who are looking to signpost that diversity and inclusion is a core value. Casey joins from CVS Health where he was SVP of workforce strategies and chief diversity officer and president of the board for CVS’s Health Employee Relief Fund for over a decade. The executive also sits on the board of a number of organisations including Disability:in and the American Lung Association. “I am excited to be joining the leadership team at Tapestry, an innovative global company with powerful brands and strong momentum in building its inclusive culture,” said Casey in a statement. Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at feedback@voguebusiness.com. More from this author: The F1 effect: Can autobrands be mega-luxury lifestyle brands too? Saul Nash wins 2022 Woolmark Prize for “wool you can dance in” “Diverse and daring”: CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund names 2022 finalists

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