Burberry diversity head exits as part of major restructuring

Sustainability hasn’t extended to Burberry’s head of diversity role. The Luxury fashion house has scrapped the post as part of a wider overhaul that is expected to include a rolling back on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Burberry’s global vice-president of colleague attraction and inclusion, Geoffrey Williams, said his position had been “phased out” as part of a group restructuring programme.

It comes as the company continues its turnaround plan which includes a major cost-cutting programme that could lead to around 1,700 roles being cut by 2027.

Williams joined Burberry in April 2022 as global vice-president for DEI, before being promoted to lead Burberry’s talent strategy as global vice-president of colleague attraction and inclusion in July last year.

Before joining Burberry, he led DEI strategies at British footwear brand Dr Martens and multinational technology and media group Thomson Reuters.

But does it mean Burberry abandoning DEI? Apparently not. 

“As part of a wider restructure, Burberry has chosen to integrate responsibility for diversity, equity and inclusion across the organisation,” Williams said. “This reflects a belief that DEI should be embedded throughout the culture and owned by leaders across the business. The successful transition from a centralised function to a shared responsibility will help ensure long-term sustainability.”

He added: “Several initiatives and external partnerships established during my tenure will continue to shape the brand’s approach going forward.”