Marissa Pagnani McGowan
Driven by a deep-seated commitment to justice and systemic change, Marissa operates at the intersection of humanity, complexity, and scale. Her approach to sustainability is rooted in a unique blend of legal precision and human empathy. Her journey began in international law at Skadden Arps, when in 2007 while working in London’s fashion sector, new chemical legislation forced her to trace supply chains. There, witnessing the direct link between production processes and community livelihoods, she realized that corporate supply chains could be engines for positive impact.
Recognized as a “Beauty Disruptor” by Vogue Business, she is dedicated to helping every employee understand that the sustainable decision is the only decision. Today, Marissa is a leader who employs systems thinking to solve massive challenges, from decarbonizing digital media to readying L’Oréal for U.S. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Under her leadership, L’Oréal North America has advanced toward 100% renewable energy, achieved Cradle-to-Cradle Certified® recognition for over 500 products, and earned a spot on Fortune’s “Change the World” list for its sustainable packaging innovations.
Previously the global CSO of PVH Corp., Marissa holds undergraduate and law degrees from Georgetown University, where she remains active in the Business of Sustainability initiative. Marissa sits on the boards of the Cradle-to-Cradle Products Innovation Institute and the Greater New York chapter of the American Red Cross. A former student-athlete and proud mother of two, she brings the same grit and optimism to the boardroom that she applies to life: preparing relentlessly to fight for a future that doesn’t exist yet.