Eileen Fisher Is Stepping Down as CEO of Her Brand
She will remain on the design team.
On August 15, The New York Times reported that Eileen Fisher would step down as CEO of her eponymous fashion company next month. For those unfamiliar, Fisher’s brand was founded in 1984 and is known for creating timeless, easy staples that are meant to last. While comfort may be what people think first, the company’s true legacy is its advocacy and innovation toward sustainability within the fashion industry. In 2009, she introduced “Green Eileen,” a recycling program for used clothing. That line grew immensely over the last decade and in 2018, made $3 million. She's also been an advocate for worker's rights and in vocal opposition to over-consumption of clothing.
Fisher will remain on the design team and continue to lead the foundation. In September, Lisa Williams, Patagonia’s chief product officer, will take over as CEO. “It’s time to have someone else lead it,” she said in a press release.
What makes Fisher’s time as the head of her brand so important is that she showed that companies could be leaders for change, figureheads can take responsibility, and addressing a problem head-on while still running a successful business is doable. In no way are they perfect, of course, but educating customers while also taking necessary steps to account for their impact has made them (unfortunately) unique. “The industry needs massive change and to be more sustainable, and I think with the combination of Lisa and I, the foundation and the company, there’s a lot more that we can do to help the industry,” Fisher said.
Brands directly benefit from unethical practices that permeate fashion, and it is their responsibility to change it. Fisher has been an incredible example of how using your influence and your brand can be a force for good.
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