Times change, but the Ralph Lauren Company’s support for its employees does not

By: Patrice Louvet, President and CEO of Ralph Lauren

Through considerably uncertain times, I proudly announce the Ralph Lauren Company’s continued devotion to our 12 global and regional established Employee Impact Groups (EIGs), and our 19 local EIG’s, in our joint effort to create an inclusive and diverse company culture.

In keeping with the company’s decades-long effort to create a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, I write to provide clarity to our employees, communities, partners and loyal customers. At Ralph Lauren, we pride ourselves in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) strategy and its three pillars – talent, engagement and education – designed to enable all people to thrive. Whether it is through our Global Mentorship Program, #RLPride, Early Career Talent, Disability 360 and the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, to name just a few, it is our intention to continue to encourage and support all DE&I initiatives while seeking out new partnerships like our 2024 partnership with Second Chance Business Coalition (SCBC), our UK-based internship program with Rio Ferdinand Foundation and our ongoing Royal Mardsen partnership. These efforts and their results are what make Ralph Lauren a company that I am proud to lead. 

To quote my friend and colleague Charles Fagan, Chief of Staff to Ralph Lauren, Head of Hospitality and Executive Sponsor of the #RLPride EIG, “I’m filled with gratitude to work for a company that has seen and proactively supported LGBTQIA+ communities throughout my nearly 40-year tenure with Ralph Lauren.”

While times change, the integrity of this company does not. Our communities can rest assured that our long-time efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming environment to every individual that this company reaches will not be hindered by outside forces.

FY24 saw some of our most incredible achievements in the DE&I sector within the Ralph Lauren Company. The results of our engagement and enablement survey revealed that 85% of our employees believe Ralph Lauren is committed to DE&I in the workplace. Our five global EIGs expanded into new countries, including Japan, Korea and Australia regions, with an increase in EIG membership of over 200. Simultaneously, we established sponsors and co-chairs for every EIG.

We also joined the Second Chance (SCBC), a cross-sector coalition of large, private-sector firms committed to expanding second chance hiring and advancement practices for people with criminal records. As part of our Early Career Talent program, we partnered with 12 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), via our Company and the Foundation, enabling us to provide scholarships, mentorship and development opportunities. Additionally, FY24 saw the launch of our UK-based internship program with Rio Ferdinand foundation that embarked four emerging leaders on a year-long internship with Ralph Lauren’s teams, supporting our intention of creating opportunities for young leaders to tackle inequality and achieve success and drive for social change.

The company’s 2024 benefit enhancements included family-focused benefits, consisting of extended paid parental leave policy and the launch of a new digital platform through Maven that provides 24/7 virtual care and resources for various needs. Enhancements to LGBTQIA+ benefits included tailored benefits and resources that affirm the experiences of our LGBTQIA+ employees, and the launch of our LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Care Guide – which raises awareness to benefits like gender-affirming care, mental health support, adoption and surrogacy resources and more. 

While FY24 saw many of our goals accomplished, it is our goal to continue this vital work in FY25 and ensure the upkeep and expansion of our DE&I company-wide efforts, guided by our purpose – to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. I am infinitely proud to be a part of this company’s continued efforts, and want to express my eagerness to further expand this work in the future.

Ralph Lauren Corporation is a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of luxury lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, footwear & accessories, home, fragrances and hospitality. The company, composed of various brand names like Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children and Chaps, among others, seeks to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. Its reputation and distinctive image have been developed across a wide range of products, brands, distribution channels and international markets, making it one of the world’s most widely recognized consumer brands.