Influential Businesswoman Awards 2024, Acquisition International | 51 Best Retail Brand Sustainability Manager 2024 (France): Salma Abaoubida own jacket designer and manufacturer, JOTT, is part of the LVMH Group of companies. Founded in 1987, LVMH champions a business model driven by a continual quest for excellence and enhanced creativity. As a major commercial force in luxury goods with a recorded turnover of 130 million Euros in 2022, the Group’s commitment to ethics and social and environmental responsibility is high on the agenda. At JOTT, it’s the remit of Salma Abaoubida to propel the company’s sustainability initiative forward and inspire the industry to follow suit. Salma began her career in 2015 as a Marketing Trainee for an online wholesale marketplace before moving into the field of quality control. Arriving in France in 2016, Salma’s skills were quickly recognised by supermarket giant, Carrefour, where she built her knowledge of the fashion world. Progressing rapidly, Salma found herself working for wellknown French fashion brands including Celine, Jacadi (childrenswear), and Celio (menswear) before being recruited by JOTT in 2022. Salma told us, “Before joining JOTT, I’d already gained a wealth of experience working with factories and mills to ensure compliance with the best practice guidelines. I’d worked on reuse and recycling programmes and even helped increase the durability of products. Reducing water and energy usage are key elements of sustainability in fashion and at Celio, we achieved a 40% reduction overall during my tenure.” Joining JOTT, Salma was quick to instigate improvement initiatives and audits. In fact in her first 3 months in post, Salma created a process to audit and monitor all the company’s factories in Asia and Europe, successfully achieving compliance with international labour laws and requirements. Salma also set up reporting and certification processes and implemented circular economy strategies. Today, JOTT’s sustainability initiative includes running a second-hand service. Known as REJOTT, the service enables JOTT owners to return their used jackets for reuse or recycling. The refurbished jackets are then resold via the website. On receiving the award, Salma told us, “I’m deeply honoured. This recognition highlights my commitment to driving sustainability initiatives forward. It acknowledges the successful integration of sustainable practices that benefit the environment and enhance social responsibility and economic viability. It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts of my dedicated team, whose innovative solutions have improved resource efficiency, and fostered a culture of ethical business practices.” Our achievements reflect a strategic approach that aligns with our company’s long-term goals and values. This accolade holds special significance for me, as it celebrates the leadership and impact of women in the business world. It underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering creative solutions to global challenges. It will inspire me to continue championing sustainability and encourage others to prioritise sustainable development in their business strategies. Thank you.” Contact: Salma Abaoubida Company: JOTT Web Address: https://jott.com/ The fashion industry often gets bad press when it comes to sustainability. But one brand that’s bucking the trend is JOTT. Short for Just Over The Top, JOTT creates innovative and stylish down jackets built to last. At the forefront of JOTT’s commitment to people and planet is Quality and Sustainability Manager, Salma Abaoubida. We have taken a closer look at JOTT and had an insightful conversation with Salma about the importance of receiving this award. D
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