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Holly Syrett
Impact Programmes & Sustainability Director at Global Fashion Agenda
Professional Background
Holly Syrett is an esteemed professional in the sustainable fashion industry with over a decade of experience dedicated to transforming the apparel sector. Her career began in an intriguing setting—a meeting at the Amsterdam ‘Artis’ zoo—where her passion for fashion and sustainability was ignited. Over the years, she has held several key positions that emphasize her commitment to creating a circular industry that is not only inclusive but also transparent and regenerative.
As the Impact Programmes & Sustainability Director at Global Fashion Agenda, Holly is at the forefront of pioneering sustainability efforts within the fashion world. Her previous role as the Senior Sustainability Manager at the same organization allowed her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the various components influencing sustainable transformations in fashion. Holly's tenure with reputable organizations such as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and GW Agency - Amsterdam reflects her versatility and substantial expertise in implementing impactful sustainability programs and initiatives.
Her project management experience includes orchestrating high-impact sustainability programs that encompass a wide range of deliverables—from educational materials and workshops to communication campaigns and exhibitions. Holly’s ability to engage diverse stakeholders through facilitation skills has proven essential in cultivating cross-disciplinary collaborations that effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by the apparel industry today. Holistically, she approaches problems by fostering public-private partnerships that lead to innovative solutions for sustainability challenges at scale.
Education and Achievements
Holly’s academic foundation is robust, having studied at distinguished institutions that align with her career goals. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Technology, International Fashion and Branding from the Amsterdam Fashion Institute. Additionally, she pursued her passion further at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, completing a postgraduate exchange that covered Fashion Promotion, New Genres of Fine Art, Promotion Design, and Writing Angles Popular and Professional.
Throughout her career, Holly has been instrumental in launching significant initiatives and tools aimed at enhancing transparency within the fashion industry. Notable examples of her contributions include the creation of a consumer-facing carbon calculation tool and various communication campaigns that help raise awareness and educate both public and professional audiences about sustainability in fashion. Holly’s insistence on accountability and transparency has led to the development of transparency tools and grievance mechanisms, which are crucial for advancing the industry's integrity.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Holly has excelled in various managerial roles that underline her leadership acumen:
- As Project Manager for Higg Transparency at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, she oversaw significant projects that advanced sustainability standards.
- She served as Project Manager for The Model’s Health Pledge at GW Agency, a role that emphasized her commitment to holistic wellbeing in the fashion community.
- In her time as the Local Media and PR Manager for the Service Design Network - SDGC '16 at GW Agency, Holly was responsible for amplifying the message of design thinking in service delivery.
- As Project Manager for The Green Fashion Competition, she nurtured innovative concepts in sustainable fashion, promoting a culture of creativity and responsibility.
- Her experience as Manager of Marketing Partnerships and Concept Development at FashionWeek Nederland reflects her skill in building strategic alliances that bolster brand visibility while integrating sustainability.
Not only has Holly contributed as a leader, but her earlier role as a Freelance Reporter for FashionWeek Nederland showcases her versatility and writing skills, allowing her to engage with diverse audiences and communicate sustainability narratives effectively.
Achievements
- Initiated and managed the development of a consumer-facing carbon calculation tool to empower consumers in making informed choices.
- Organized workshops and exhibitions promoting sustainability, drawing attention to crucial industry shifts currently underway.
- Developed educational materials and guidebooks that serve as resources for both industry practitioners and the general public, increasing knowledge dissemination in sustainable fashion.
- Facilitated innovative cross-disciplinary collaborations that brought together varied stakeholders to work toward shared sustainability goals, thus enhancing collective impact.
- Successfully managed numerous sustainability programmes that have garnered recognition and established concrete benchmarks within the industry.