Robert Chavez, executive chairman of Hermès Americas, is headed back to school.
He has been named the executive in residence at The Savannah College of Art and Design. He assumes the executive advisory role immediately as SCAD begins its 2024-25 academic year.
In his new role, Chavez will travel to all three SCAD locations — Atlanta and Savannah, Ga., and Lacoste, France — to visit classes, review portfolios and offer mentorship to SCAD students. He will also collaborate with academic leaders to review assignments for professional relevancy and develop new curriculum for the SCAD De Sole School of Business Innovation and the SCAD School of Fashion.
“Bob Chavez is a visionary leader in the international luxury space and a longtime champion of SCAD who will bring tremendous expertise and insights to the university’s esteemed academic programs,” said SCAD chief academic officer Jason Fox. “We are honored to have Bob serve as executive in residence and engage deeply with talented SCAD students across an array of disciplines. He is committed to SCAD’s mission to prepare talented students for creative professions.”
Chavez stepped into his new role last April and was succeeded as president of the American division of Hermès by Diane Mahady.
Chavez had been president and CEO of Hermès Americas since 2000, where he oversaw all business interests in the U.S. and Latin America and the notable growth and expansion in the Americas region. The company now has more than 48 Hermès boutiques in the Americas as well as its website.
“I am very excited to be a part of the SCAD executive-in-residence program,” Chavez said. “Working with the faculty and exceptionally talented students at SCAD is a true honor, and I thank president Paul Wallace for this wonderful opportunity of engagement.”
In 2019, SCAD awarded Chavez an honorary degree for humane letters.
