Andy Riesmeyer and Will Conybeare
35 minutes ago
Founder and former Lululemon CEO Chip Wilson caused a stir this week when he made remarks about the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion program.
Wilson told Forbes that he is dismayed by Lululemon’s “complete diversity and inclusion” approach to the clothing brand he founded in 1998 and in which he maintains an 8 percent stake.
He also commented that the actors in Lululemon commercials were “unhealthy”, “sick” and “uninspiring” before saying “You have to be clear that you don’t want certain customers coming in.”
The company distanced itself from its former leader, telling CNN in a statement that Wilson does not speak for the company and that his views do not align with the brand’s values and beliefs.
According to reports from Axios, companies’ opinions on DEI programs have changed; Some have begun to push back on corporate diversity packages, calling them largely “cosmetic.”
Others, like Lululemon, seem to be sticking to diversity, equity and inclusion programs.