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Marianna Tsien
Senior Director, Business Development and Membership, APAC, SAC and GAFTI
Professional Background
Marianna Tsien is a seasoned professional prominently recognized for her extensive contributions to business development and supply chain sustainability across the apparel industry in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Currently, she serves as the Senior Director of Business Development and Membership at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, where she is pivotal in driving the coalition's mission to promote sustainable practices within the global apparel sector. Her work focuses on fostering partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving environmental and social outcomes throughout the industry. Marianna's extensive expertise in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability has made her a key player in shaping sustainable business strategies that benefit both companies and the communities they serve.
Prior to her role at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Marianna held the position of Director of Supply Chain Sustainability at Ascena Retail Group, Inc. There, she led innovation in sustainable sourcing practices and operational excellence, ensuring that the company adhered to high standards of sustainability throughout its supply chain. Her ability to integrate sustainable practices into business models set new benchmarks for industry standards in a rapidly evolving market.
Additionally, Marianna has held influential roles such as Regional CSR Manager at ANN INC., where she advanced the company’s sustainability agenda across various operational regions. Her strategic insights contributed significantly to ANN's overall sustainability initiatives, outlining pathways for enhanced social responsibility and environmental stewardship within the apparel industry.
Earlier in her career, Marianna contributed her project management skills as a Project Manager for Corporate Responsibility at Columbia Sportswear, where she focused on assessing and improving corporate sustainability strategies, further demonstrating her commitment to making impactful changes in corporate behavior towards sustainability.
Education and Achievements
Marianna Tsien earned her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from The University of Hong Kong. This academic foundation provided her with advanced communication skills and a deeper understanding of cultural contexts, which have played a crucial role in her professional endeavors within the international business landscape. Her educational background enriches her capacity to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, from producers to consumers, bridging gaps in communication and understanding in the realm of sustainable business practices.
Over the years, Marianna has received recognition for her commitment to sustainability and her pivotal role in fostering corporate social responsibility in the apparel sector. Her leadership style, characterized by collaboration and innovation, has been instrumental in forging successful partnerships that have driven systemic change within the industry. Additionally, her involvement with the Sustainable Apparel Coalition puts her at the forefront of sustainability efforts, influencing industry-wide movements towards eco-friendly and ethically responsible practices.
Achievements
- Sustainable Apparel Coalition Leadership: As Senior Director, Marianna plays a critical role in influencing stakeholder engagement and advocating volunteerism within the coalition to reinforce sustainability as a core business value across the industry.
- Supply Chain Sustainability: Developed and implemented key initiatives that led to measurable improvements in environmental and ethical standards at Ascena Retail Group.
- Corporate Responsibility Advocacy: Through her role at ANN INC., Marianna spearheaded programs that not only adhered to sustainability guidelines but exceeded expectations, further solidifying the company’s commitment to corporate responsibility.
- Mentorship and Guidance: She has consistently embraced opportunities to mentor upcoming professionals in sustainability, championing the need for knowledge sharing and collaboration within the industry, which fosters future innovations in sustainability practices.
Marianna Tsien’s contributions extend far beyond her immediate roles; her influence on sustainable practices continues to inspire and shape the future of the apparel industry in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
