The last few months have brought to light the urgent need to accelerate our work around inclusion and diversity (I&D) across the organization. It is our priority to drive necessary and lasting change, and create an inclusive environment where every individual is valued and every voice is heard.
We have been vocal about our commitment to take meaningful action and expand our current Forward Fashion I&D targets to improve representation, equality and advancement – and to be transparent with our progress. With many actions underway, it’s been especially encouraging to see the response to our Be BRAAVE campaign, and the engagement and support from our associates. We have continued to support Pride events and raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues, and recently joined the UN Global Compact’s Target Gender Equality initiative to advance gender parity, as well as The Valuable 500 Pledge to champion disability inclusion in our workforce and communities.
To further elevate and drive forward this crucial work, today we are pleased to announce two new appointments to the I&D team at PVH.
Lance LaVergne joined PVH on August 17th in the newly expanded role of Chief Diversity Officer, and SVP of Global Talent Acquisition and Associate Experience. As Chief Diversity Officer, Lance is responsible for leading the development and implementation of an integrated global I&D strategy for PVH and our brands. He is also responsible for leading the work that will enhance our ability to attract, develop and retain talent. His key priorities include deploying enterprise-wide I&D goals, creating omni-channel recruitment strategies and leveraging data-driven initiatives to enhance associate experience. Lance brings extensive experience and expertise to the PVH team, joining us most recently from Wells Fargo where he was SVP, Enterprise Talent Acquisition Strategy & Targeted Programs. He has also held the role of Chief Diversity Officer at New York Life and served as VP, Global Leadership & Diversity and Global Head of Diversity Recruiting at Goldman Sachs. Lance will report to Christi Downes, EVP, Global Talent Management & Development.
Janelle Parker Lunnon, Senior Director, Inclusion & Diversity, also joined the I&D team in August 2020. Janelle transitioned from the Heritage Brands marketing team at PVH and served as co-chair of PVH’s Building Resources for African American Voices and Empowerment (BRAAVE) business resource group. Her outstanding work and leadership of our Be BRAAVE initiative has been instrumental in shaping our I&D strategy over the past few months. In her new role, Janelle reports to Lance and is responsible for partnering with our brands and functions to develop, implement and track long-term I&D goals, design and implement our I&D learning strategy, as well as lead US I&D initiatives. Janelle’s marketing background and deep understanding of our diverse consumers will be valuable as we work to advance I&D within our organization and industry.
We are excited to welcome Lance to the PVH family and congratulate Janelle on her new appointment. While it’s clear we have much work ahead of us, we are confident that their experience and leadership will help create further impactful progress as we work together to drive fashion forward – for good.