Roberto Chavez, the executive chairman of Hermes Americas, is taking his luxury expertise to the classroom as the newly appointed Executive in Residence at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
In this prestigious role, Chavez will work closely with SCAD students across the university’s three locations in Atlanta, Savannah, and Lacoste, France, as the school embarks on its 2024-25 academic year.
“I am very excided to be a part of the SCAD Executive-in-Residence program. 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”.
A dynamic figure in the world of luxury, Chavez will engage directly with students, offering mentorship, reviewing portfolios, and providing invaluable industry insights. His work will span multiple disciplines, but he’ll play a key role in shaping the SCAD De Sole School of Business Innovation and the SCAD School of Fashion, ensuring students are prepared to make wave in the ever-evolving landscape of luxury and fashion. “Bob Chavez is a visionary leader in the international luxury space and a longtime champion of SCAD”, said SCAD’s 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”.
With a career spanning over two decades, Chavez has helmed Hermes Americas since 2000, guiding the brand through remarkable growth across the U.S. and Latin America. Under his leadership, Hermes expanded to over 48 boutiques in the Americas, solidifying its status as a pillar of luxury in the region. Earlier this year, Chavez transitioned to his current role, handing over the presidency of Hermes Americas to Diane Mahady.
Reflecting on his appointment at SCAD, Chavez shared “I am very excided to be a part of the SCAD Executive-in-Residence program. 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”. It’s a full-circle moment for Chavez, who was awarded an honorary degree for human letters by SCAD in 2019, underscoring the deep bond he shares with the institution.
This latest collaboration between SCAD and one of fashion’s foremost figures highlights the university’s commitment to providing its students with top-tier industry connections. With Chavez at the helm of mentorship and curriculum development, SCAD students are set to gain unprecedented access to the insights of a true luxury leader – a partnership that promises to elevate SCAD’s reputation in the world of fashion and business education.
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