Burberry recently found itself in hot water due to a controversial hoodie that many felt was inappropriate and offensive. The backlash from the public led the luxury brand to take swift action by removing the controversial item from production and issuing an apology. This misstep prompted CEO Marco Gobbetti to address the issue directly on social media, emphasizing Burberry’s commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity.
In light of this incident, Burberry has rolled out a new initiative focused on promoting diversity and cultural sensitivity within the company. This includes implementing additional training for employees, establishing diversity-focused employee councils, and creating an advisory board consisting of external experts to provide guidance on these matters.
Furthermore, Burberry is actively working to diversify its talent pool to better mirror the diverse world we live in. This involves setting specific goals to ensure a more inclusive representation within the company and offering support for young individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the brand plans to support organizations that champion diversity and inclusion, as well as provide aid to those in need, such as partnering with organizations like the Samaritans.
In essence, Burberry is taking proactive measures to learn from its past mistakes and enact tangible changes that will promote inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. This initiative underscores the brand’s dedication to fostering a more diverse and welcoming environment for both its employees and customers moving forward.
For further information on diversity and inclusion initiatives at Burberry, visit their official website here. To learn more about the Samaritans and their mission, visit their website here.
