Why Fashion Should Recruit From Outside the Industry
Welcome to The BoF Careers Briefing. This newsletter is an excerpt of our analysis and insights on the future of work and careers advice, along with the best jobs on BoF Careers. Sign up to the full newsletter now.
Fashion has long had a reputation for being an insular industry. When Gucci recruited Robert Polet, then Unilever’s head of frozen foods, to be its CEO in 2004, The Independent cast the decision to appoint the “ice cream man” as a slap in the face to the luxury world. Standards have changed in the years since: Ralph Lauren hired Patrice Louvet, who spent nearly three decades at Procter & Gamble, to lead its business in 2017; Chanel’s CEO was previously head of human resources at Unilever, and Under Armour’s came from the hotel industry.
These days, a resumé heavy on experience outside the fashion world is increasingly seen as a plus, whether it’s the CEO, a mid-level manager or in some cases, a store associate or manager.
That reflects sweeping changes in the business, including the rise of e-commerce and the global nature of supply chains and distribution networks. Companies also need employees with expertise in areas like climate change and diversity where fashion hasn’t historically been a leader.
“The message at the end of the day is: if you’re only going to play in your pool, there’s a high likelihood that if you’re looking for change, it might not come,” said Caroline Pill, partner at executive search consultancy Heidrick & Struggles’ London office, focused on the global fashion, luxury and beauty industries.
Building a Career in Fashion with GQ's Adam Baidawi
Tune into our next LinkedIn Live on Tuesday, January 23 at 16:00 GMT / 11:00 EST to hear Adam Baidawi, deputy global editorial director of GQ and head of editorial content at British GQ, share his insights on building a career in fashion.
Packed with career advice for those entering the industry or looking to take their next step in fashion, this LinkedIn Live broadcast offers a unique opportunity to engage with a senior global fashion leader.
领英推荐
Weekly Highlight: What Beauty Professionals Need to Know Today
BoF Careers provides essential industry insights for beauty professionals this month, featuring roles from Burberry, Names and Chalhoub Group.
New Job Opportunities on BoF Careers
Discover the most exciting career opportunities now available on BoF Careers.
This newsletter is an excerpt of our analysis and insights on the future of work and careers advice, along with the best jobs on BoF Careers. Sign up to the full newsletter now.
Futura Economista
1 年Finally a article that is thinking ahead
Marketing & E-commerce Manager | DTC & B2C Brands | Entrepreneur | MBA - Hult International Business School |
1 年Ok. This is kind of ridiculous! Already people spend a lot of money studying fashion or marketing, to never being hired or paid very minimal in a position in fashion and marketing ! And now… you are saying that fashion should hire people from outside of fashion? Ok? Kill the dreams of everyone who studied fashion and actually wants to work in fashion, because with a fashion degree there’s not much you can do unless you work in fashion! Thanks!
Writes about CPG, consumer insights, and branding
1 年where is the "hell yes" reaction button?
Creative Strategist | Visual Design & Brand Marketing
1 年Yes!!! Love this sentiment!! Much needed !
Manager of Merchandising
1 年The Business of Fashion yes, always talent/experience speaks. I am successfully surviving the Fashion Industry as Product Development/Sourcing Specialist/Merchandiser around 11 years, I have completed my graduation in Statistics. Many Brands like #levis #ralphlauren #diesel #adidas #nike #puma #adityabirlagroup #victoria #victoriassecret #timberland #royalenfield #frenchconnection #fcuk... etc., are rejected my profile due to I have not done engineering in the fashion technology. I am creating a success story in #fashion #apparel industry from the Statistics background. So pls think wisely #talentmanagement is required to run the show.