Emma Watson Joins Kering As Chair Of Its Sustainability Committee

Actress and sustainability advocate Emma Watson has joined the board of Kering, the French luxury group with designer brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga under its umbrella.

Announced in an online presentation of the group’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, Kering also confirmed that Watson would chair the board’s sustainability committee, which is focused on environmental matters.

Watson has long been a supporter of sustainable fashion, championing eco-conscious designers and brands both on the red carper and off. She is also a supporter of Good On You, a mobile app that allows consumers to check the sustainability credentials of clothing brands.

“When fashion truly embraces transparency and sustainability, other spheres will follow,” Watson has said, and has long focused on shaping conversations about the fashion industry around issues of conscious consumption, ethical practices and environmental impact.

In addition to Watson, who will be a non-independent board member, Kering also announced two new independent board members—Jean Liu (President of DiDi Chuxing, a Chinese transport company) and Tidjane Thiam (former CEO of Credit Suisse Group).

“Their respective knowledge and competences, and the multiplicity of their backgrounds and perspectives will be invaluable additions to Kering’s board,” François-Henri Pinault, the group’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “The collective intelligence that comes from diverse points of view and the richness of different experiences are crucial to the future of our organization. I am proud to add such impressive talents to the team.”