Saks Names Diversity, Equity and Inclusion VP

Alicia Williams, Ph.D., has officially been named VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Saks (New York), reports Footwear News. Since November 2020, Williams previously worked as head of diversity and inclusion for Morgan Stanley. With more than 15 years of experience under her belt, Williams will be working with Saks’ DEI council, ERGs and inclusion advocates. Becoming a member of the company’s ESG team, she will report to SVP Cara Chacon.

“I’m thrilled to be joining an organization with a longstanding commitment to supporting the growth of every team member, using its platform to drive forward change and providing a best-in-class experience for its employees and customers,” Williams says.

Last year, Saks unveiled a roadmap to obtain its DEI goals, which included amplifying BIPOC leadership at the company, incorporating more diverse marketing, donations to serve underprivileged communities and investing in Black designers. The retailer’s designer accelerator program called The New Wave was also launched, with Saks stating at least half of the brands participating each year would be BIPOC-owned.

Last year, Saks Fifth Avenue’s parent company Hudson Bay Co. (Toronto) spun off the company’s e-commerce business (Saks) into a separate business.