Prada has named two new independent non-executive directors: Anna Maria Rugarli and Pamela Culpepper. The group appointed the two managers for their professional background in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and in accordance with the Diversity Policy of the Board of Directors. Their appointments bring the company’s board up to a total of 11 members, increasing the number of independent directors (five in total) and substantially achieving gender equality (five women and six men).

The Prada Group also confirmed and reinforced its commitment to sustainability through the upcoming establishment of an ESG Board Committee under the leadership of Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Anna Maria Rugarli and Pamela Culpepper.

This committee will be assisting and supporting the board of directors in its sustainability assessments and decisions with regards to the three courses of action at the basis of the Group’s ESG strategy based upon people, environment and culture.

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, said: “I am pleased to welcome to the Board Pamela Culpepper and Anna Maria Rugarli, professionals with an extensive knowledge in ESG topics and who held leadership positions in multinational companies. Their contribution will be crucial for the board and for the deployment of Prada’s sustainability strategy. This decision will allow us to accelerate in several projects already in our pipeline.”

Rugarli is a Sustainability & CSR expert with more than 20 years of experience in developing innovative programs developing sustainability strategies. Among her various experiences, Rugarli initiated and launched Nike’s Sustainability & CSR programs in Europe, Middle East & Africa and was with the company for 12 years, pioneering this work at an industry level. She then led VF’s Circular Economy strategy at global level as well as Sustainability, Purpose, and D,E&I strategy at regional level for ten years. Culpepper is co-founder of Have Her Back, LLC., a female-owned, female-led culture consultancy focused on advancing equity for all. She also occupied different past roles including chief human resources officer at Cboe Global Markets, Inc., a large exchange holding company. As a veteran HR executive, Culpepper has over 25 years of experience. For more than 14 years prior, she held various leadership roles with PepsiCo, Inc., including chief global diversity and inclusion officer, vice president human resources for Quaker Foods and Snacks.