The Savannah College of Art and Design is pleased to announce Robert Chavez, executive chairman of Hermès Americas, has been named the Executive in Residence at the university. Chavez assumes the executive advisory role immediately as SCAD begins its 2024–25 academic year.

In his new role, Chavez will travel to all three SCAD locations — including Savannah, Ga., Atlanta, Ga., and Lacoste, France — to visit classes, review portfolios, and offer mentorship to remarkable SCAD students. Chavez will also provide his unique vision in collaborations with academic leaders to review assignments for professional relevancy and develop new curriculum for the SCAD De Sole School of Business Innovation and the SCAD School of Fashion, furthering the university’s recognition as the global leader for art, design, and innovation in higher education. Chavez’s presence emphasizes SCAD’s curricular preeminence in disciplines including luxury and brand management, creative business leadership, design management, advertising and branding, service design, business of beauty and fragrance, fashion, accessory design, jewelry, fibers, and fashion marketing and management.

“Bob Chavez is a visionary leader in the international luxury space and a longtime champion of SCAD who will bring tremendous expertise and insights to the university’s esteemed academic programs,” said SCAD Chief Academic Officer Jason Fox. “We are honored to have Bob serve as Executive in Residence and engage deeply with talented SCAD students across an array of disciplines. He is committed to SCAD’s mission to prepare talented students for creative professions.” 

Chavez is a longstanding executive at Hermès of Paris Inc., since his appointment as president and chief executive officer of Hermès Americas in 2000. Chavez oversees all business interests in the U.S. and Latin America and has overseen Hermès’ notable growth and expansion in the Americas region — now with more than 48 Hermès boutiques, and the hermes.com flagship website. Under Chavez’s direction, the storied French house is considered the gold standard of global luxury. 

“I am very excited to be a part of the SCAD executive-in-residence program,” said Chavez. “Working with the faculty and exceptionally talented students at SCAD is a true honor, and I thank President Paula Wallace for this wonderful opportunity of engagement.”

Chavez has been an enduring and guiding figure at SCAD for many years as a dear friend of the university and champion of SCAD students. In 2019, SCAD recognized his outstanding service and achievements by presenting Chavez with an honorary degree for humane letters. He has been recognized by numerous institutions and organizations, including March of Dimes, God’s Love We Deliver, and the Battery Conservancy.