Prada adds two ESG experts as non-exec board members

Prada Group has announced the appointments of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) professionals Pamela Culpepper and Anna Maria Rugarli to the Prada Group’s Board of Directors.

Culpepper and Rugarli were chosen for their “proven professional background” in ESG, according to Prada, and in compliance with the brand’s Diversity Policy of the Board of Directors. The additions raise the Group’s total board membership to 11, with five women and six males on the board.

Culpepper is the co-founder of Have Her Back, a cultural consultant focused on improving equity that is owned and driven by women. The seasoned HR executive previously served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at exchange holding company Cboe Global Markets and held numerous leadership positions at PepsiCo.

Rugarli, a CSR and sustainability expert, has over 20 years of experience implementing innovative programs and developing sustainability strategies. She worked for Nike for 12 years, initiating and launching sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. At Japan Tobacco International, Regarli is the Corporate Sustainability Vice President.

The appointments underscore the Italian luxury house’s commitment to sustainability, which will be reinforced by the imminent formation of an ESG Board Committee led by Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility.

The Committee will assist and support the Board of Directors in its sustainability evaluations and decisions pertaining to the three courses of action underlying the Group’s ESG strategy, people, environment, and culture.

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group head of CSR, said that he is glad to welcome to the Board Pamela Culpepper and Anna Maria Rugarli, experts with a substantial understanding of ESG themes and who have held leading roles in international firms. Their contribution will be critical for the Board and the implementation of Prada’s sustainability plan. This decision will allow us to move forward with other projects that are already in the pipeline.