Giny Boer
CEO
C&A Europe
Giny Boer, CEO of C&A Europe, is one of the few leaders in the ever-evolving global fashion industry that best embodies sustainability and transformation. Her journey is a compelling blend of innovation, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to inclusivity, making her the perfect candidate for The InCAP’s “The Mastermind” feature.
A Visionary in Fashion
Giny Boer took the helm as C&A Europe’s CEO on January 1, 2021, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her 23-year tenure at IKEA. Her decision to join C&A was fueled by her passion for fashion and the opportunity to lead an iconic brand into a new era of sustainability and growth. “C&A is an icon in the fashion industry, offering fashion for everyone,” Giny shares, reflecting on the company’s rich heritage and her personal connection to its mission.
The ONE C&A Growth Plan
Under Giny’s leadership, C&A has embarked on an ambitious transformation journey guided by the ONE C&A Growth Plan. This strategic blueprint focuses on modernizing the brand while staying true to its legacy of providing high-quality, affordable clothing. “That idea of creating affordable clothing is still in our DNA,” Giny emphasizes. The plan includes store modernization, expanding online presence, and a notable commitment to sustainability, all aimed at making C&A shine and thrive once more.
Sustainability at the Core
For Giny, sustainability is not just a buzzword but a fundamental shift in how business is conducted. “Sustainability starts with changing the business model,” she asserts. One of her key initiatives is the creation of C&A FIT (Factory for Innovation in Textiles), a state-of-the-art facility producing up to 1,000 pairs of jeans daily using advanced automation and digitization. This project exemplifies Giny’s vision of reducing waste and promoting a circular economy in fashion.
Empowering Women and Promoting Inclusivity
A staunch advocate for women in leadership, Giny is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace at C&A. She believes leadership should be about talent and results, not gender. “I am working towards a future in which leadership is never a question of gender, but solely about talent and delivering results,” she affirms. Giny actively supports women in business, sharing her insights and encouraging confidence and self-belief among aspiring female leaders.
Pioneering Innovation
Innovation is a cornerstone of Giny’s strategy at C&A. The company is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to refine design and inventory processes, aiming for precision that benefits both the planet and the bottom line. “We’re looking at how AI impacts design and how we can be much more specific in the planning and inventory process,” Giny explains. This forward-thinking approach ensures C&A remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the retail sector.
A Passion for People
Giny’s leadership style is characterized by kindness, clarity, and a deep understanding of human behavior, attributes she honed during her studies in psychology. “For me, people and culture are extremely important,” she says. By reducing organizational layers and fostering open communication through initiatives like town halls and the Young Professional Board, Giny has cultivated a more approachable and transparent corporate culture at C&A.
Looking to the Future
As Giny continues to steer C&A towards a sustainable and inclusive future, her vision is clear: to leave the business better than it is today. “It has to stand for something – that’s really my dream,” she concludes. With plans to open 100 new stores in the next three years and a steadfast commitment to environmental and social responsibility, Giny Boer is truly a mastermind in the fashion industry, inspiring colleagues and customers alike to look, feel, and do good every day.
Giny Boer’s journey is a testament to the power of visionary leadership in driving meaningful change. As she continues to blend innovation with tradition, C&A is poised to thrive in the fast-changing world of fashion, setting new standards for sustainability and inclusivity under her expert guidance.
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