Katherine O'Hare is an accomplished sustainability executive with over 15 years of experience driving environmental and social impact within the retail and apparel industry. As the Vice President of Sustainability at J.Crew, she is responsible for leading the company's comprehensive sustainability strategy, integrating sustainable practices across the organization, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve ambitious environmental and social goals.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Vice President of Sustainability at J.Crew, Katherine is responsible for overseeing the company's sustainability initiatives, including transitioning to more sustainable materials, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving labor and human rights practices within the supply chain. Under her leadership, J.Crew has made significant progress in reducing its environmental footprint and enhancing its social responsibility efforts, earning recognition as an industry leader in sustainability.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Katherine served as the Senior Director of Sustainability at J.Crew, where she played a pivotal role in developing and implementing the company's sustainability strategy. She has also held sustainability leadership positions at PVH Corp. and ANN INC., driving innovative programs and initiatives that have contributed to the companies' environmental and social performance.
Academic Background
Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Middlebury College, where she graduated with honors. She has also completed executive education programs in Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility from leading institutions.
Areas of Expertise
- Sustainability strategy development and implementation
- Supply chain management and traceability
- Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
- Sustainability reporting and disclosure
- Sustainable product design and innovation
- Corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices
Professional Impact
Under Katherine's leadership, J.Crew has achieved significant milestones in its sustainability journey, including:
- Increasing the use of sustainable materials in its product line by 50% over the past two years
- Reducing the company's greenhouse gas emissions by 25% through energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives
- Improving labor and human rights conditions across the supply chain, with 95% of factories meeting or exceeding the company's social compliance standards
Katherine's industry expertise and passion for sustainability have made her a respected voice and influential leader in the retail and apparel sector. She actively engages with industry associations, non-profit organizations, and policymakers to drive collective action and promote sustainable business practices.
Conclusion
With a proven track record of driving sustainable transformation and delivering measurable environmental and social impact, Katherine O'Hare is poised to continue her impactful career as a sustainability leader. Her strategic vision, collaborative approach, and technical expertise make her a valuable asset in the quest for a more sustainable and responsible retail industry.
