Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Laudes Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Lakshmi Poti as the new Head of its Fashion Programme, effective April 15, 2025.
A sizable two trillion-dollar industry employing around 60 million supply chain workers and 100 million smallholder farmers globally, the fashion industry has outsized impacts on climate, nature and people. Accountable for nearly 10% of global climate impacts and a significant contributor to the global waste crisis with over 85% of fashion waste ending up in landfill, there is an urgent need to support brands and suppliers to accelerate their efforts towards a fair, green and inclusive transition in fashion.
"The fashion programme at Laudes Foundation stands at a pivotal moment, with significant opportunities to build on the transformational work achieved to date. Selecting Lakshmi as the next leader is a testament to her strategic insight, dedication, and vision for a sector poised for significant change. We are eager to see the impact she will make in this role." - Amol Mehra, Director of Programmes
Lakshmi will take the reins from Anita Chester, who has helmed the programme over the last decade and now prepares to transition out of Laudes Foundation by year end.
"I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to lead Laudes' Fashion Programme. Standing on the strong legacy of the foundation's work in the industry, I'm excited to continue to drive efforts towards a circular and inclusive fashion industry, alongside our brilliant partners and a tremendously passionate team." - Lakshmi Poti
Having spent over six years in the organisation, first at C&A Foundation and then at Laudes Foundation 2020 onwards, Lakshmi brings rich experience of working within the sector, even from her previous roles.
Laudes Foundation’s Fashion programme is focused on accelerating the transition to an inclusive, circular transition of the fashion industry that builds:
Laudes Foundation is an independent foundation that supports brave action to inspire and challenge industry to transition to a green, fair and inclusive economy. We are driven by the belief that business, when guided by values, rules and incentives, can be powerful agents for positive change. Our approach combines the catalytic power of philanthropy to work with and through business and industry to advance system change.
We focus on driving a just transition in four key industries with outsized impact on climate change, nature loss and inequality: built environment, finance and capital markets, fashion and food. Across these industries, we have cross-cutting programmes in labour rights and narratives, and support initiatives to unlock capital for transitions across all industries.
Founded by the Brenninkmeijer family business owners, Laudes Foundation builds upon six generations of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, working collaboratively alongside a wider network of philanthropic organisations.
