Chris Demuth
SVP at Neiman Marcus
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No Sustain No Gain
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She’s got a sense of belonging.
Chris Demuth is the SVP of People Services, ESG, Belonging & Corporate Philanthropy at Neiman Marcus Group (did ya get that?). Basically, her job is to make sure the company stays sustainable and ethical, which right now, means helping achieve their goal of eliminating fur products by 2023.
Below, Chris shares how she stays eco-friendly on the daily, her fav sustainable brands at Neimans, and advice for women looking to work in ESG (aka Environmental, Social, and Governance).
Have you always been passionate about the environment?
I’ve always had a deep respect and care for the planet. I compost daily, recycle everything, and buy products that don’t do more harm, like compostable bags, beeswax kitchen wraps, etc. I also have a close friend who is an astronaut, and his vantage on the world has pushed me to see our impact from a zoomed out perspective.
So what steps is Neimans taking to eliminate fur products by next year?
We’ve started asking brands to identify items with sustainable materials, and our store associates are informing customers of fur alternatives when shopping. We’re also continuing to mend and repair old fur products from customers, and converting our fur salons into new spaces.
What are some sustainable brands at NMG that you love?
I love Stella McCartney—particularly the brand’s vegan and faux leather materials, and Veronica Beard!
As a consumer, what other things do you look for when shopping?
I really value products that have longevity, that give back, or that are circular. I love when I can purchase something that came from elements that won’t leave a negative imprint on the planet.
What advice would you give women looking to work in ESG, especially at a company as big as Neiman Marcus?
There are so many opportunities to find your passion and still contribute to ESG—you don’t need to have an ESG-centric role to create positive change and make an impact. I also believe finding a mentor and nurturing that relationship is key to moving up in your career.