Eileen Fisher, the renowned fashion designer and founder of her eponymous brand, has announced her plans to relinquish her position as chief executive officer. The brand, known for its strong commitment to sustainability, has sought the assistance of executive search firm Kirk Palmer Associates to aid in the search for a new CEO, with the aim of filling the role by the start of 2022. While Fisher will remain as the chairperson of the board and continue to oversee the design aspect of the company, she plans to gradually move away from her creative responsibilities in the future.
This is not the first occasion in which Fisher has explored different leadership models for her brand. From 2018 until December 2020, she collaborated with co-CEO Jonci Cukier, who retired at the end of that year. Fisher, aged 71, founded her brand in 1984 and swiftly garnered recognition for her minimalist aesthetic and utilization of luxurious, high-quality fabrics.
One of the defining traits of the Eileen Fisher brand is its steadfast dedication to sustainability. Fisher currently owns 60% of the company, while the remaining stakes are held by approximately 770 employees. The brand has been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, launching its Renew take-back program in 2009. This program enables customers to return their Eileen Fisher items to stores for resale or recycling. Through the brand’s Waste No More initiative, over 1.4 million pieces of clothing have been reclaimed and transformed into new designs, exemplifying a circular approach to fashion.
Moreover, the brand has been a pioneer in utilizing sustainable materials. In 2018, it became one of the first fashion labels to introduce wool that is certified by the Responsible Wool Standard. By incorporating sustainable practices into its business model, Eileen Fisher has firmly established itself as a trailblazer in the industry.
Presently, the brand operates close to 60 retail stores and generates approximately $250 million in sales. As the search for a new CEO is underway, it will be intriguing to witness how Eileen Fisher continues to innovate and drive sustainability within the fashion industry. As Fisher steps back from her CEO role and ventures into new creative pursuits, her pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to sustainability will assuredly remain at the core of her brand’s philosophy.
Links:
1. Eileen Fisher Renew Program
2. Responsible Wool Standard
