Gucci has appointed Renée Tirado as the new leader of their diversity, equity, and inclusion division.
Her first task will be to create, develop and implement a global strategy to make Gucci’s workplace and business initiatives more inclusive.
She will also be in charge of Gucci’s Cultural Awareness Learning Program, Global Multicultural Design Fellowship Program and the Internal Global Exchange Program.
“I am in the business of making human connections that start with the foundations of inclusivity, respect, and diversity to ensure Gucci remains culturally relevant and economically competitive”, Tirado said in a statement.
“I am honoured to join a company that puts these non-negotiable values at the forefront of their business model, not as ‘a nice to have’ but as a key component of its business strategy”.
Tirado will be part of the Gucci Changemakers Council, which is made up of community leaders and social change experts working to advance diversity and inclusivity.
Announced in March, the long-term plan aims to reinforce the brand’s commitment to corporate social responsibility with an objective to create “lasting social impact in our communities and within the fashion industry”.
Gucci is investing $10 million (£7.63 million) into the scheme, which was launched internally last year before the fashion house decided to expand it in the wake of the blackface racism scandal.
Tirado’s appointment comes several months after Gucci was criticised for selling a balaclava-style jumper featured a mouth slit outlined by cartoonish red lips, which some felt was reminiscent of racist blackface imagery.
She will report directly to Gucci president and chief executive Marco Bizzarri.
“Tirado’s appointment is a fundamental building block to further our commitment and support the initiatives already in place”, Bizzarri said.
“As a learning organisation, we have challenged ourselves over the last few months to accelerate our vision to develop a strong organisation. I am confident that Renée will help us create the meaningful change we want to see not only in our company but in the fashion industry”.
Before joining Gucci, Tirado served as the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Major League Baseball.
She also worked with finance company American International Group and the United States Tennis Association.
#Peace.Love.RenéeTirado
