Suggestions
Melanie Steiner
Board Member and Advisor - Global Retail C-Suite - ESG - Risk & Strategy - Digital & Cyber - Lawyer - Keynote Speaker
Professional Background
Melanie Steiner is a distinguished public company board director and a trusted advisor to CEOs and boards, specializing in strategy, risk management, and the evolving landscape of corporate governance. With a remarkable 30-year career, Melanie has established herself as a thought leader and expert in critical areas such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. Melanie currently holds a significant role on the Board of US Ecology Inc. (NASDAQ: USEC), a prominent North American provider of environmental and waste management services. Here, she chairs the Corporate Responsibility & Risk Committee and actively participates as a member of the Audit Committee, playing a critical role in steering the company's sustainability and risk oversight initiatives.
Prior to her current position, Melanie made a substantial impact during her tenure as Chief Risk Officer at PVH Corp. (NYSE: PVH), a global leader known for iconic brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. Over almost a decade, she oversaw multiple global functions, including ESG, cybersecurity, enterprise risk management, and internal audit. As a vital member of the Senior Management Team, she was instrumental in transforming PVH into a digitally-focused and environmentally sustainable organization. Her leadership in driving global growth through direct-to-consumer initiatives and the adoption of sustainable, circular business practices has been widely recognized.
Education and Achievements
Melanie's academic foundation is as impressive as her professional journey. She earned her LL.B. (Juris Doctor) from the esteemed Osgoode Hall Law School located at York University in Toronto. Passionate about furthering her legal expertise, she pursued and obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of London in the UK, equipping her with significant knowledge in advanced legal concepts and practices that would benefit her subsequent roles.
Melanie's expertise extends beyond her core roles in corporate governance and risk management; she is also passionate about education and knowledge sharing. As a faculty member of the elite World 50 and the Digital Directors Network (DDN), she engages with top executives and directors on critical issues surrounding digital transformation and governance. Additionally, she has contributed her insights as a guest lecturer at Fordham University School of Law, sharing her deep understanding of corporate law and governance with aspiring legal professionals.
Throughout her career, Melanie has held various positions in leading organizations, showcasing her leadership acumen and commitment to sustainability. She was a market leader at EY in Climate Change and Sustainability Services, where she played a pivotal role in establishing and growing EY’s sustainability and climate change practice across Canada. Additionally, her previous board roles include serving on the boards of Nudge Rewards and the Bangladesh Accord, which underscores her dedication to promoting responsible business practices and sustainable solutions.
Achievements
Over her illustrious career, Melanie has been recognized for her transformative contributions to corporate governance and risk oversight, particularly in the context of sustainability and digital innovation. Her leadership at PVH Corp. notably positioned the company as a leader in sustainable fashion, and her influence is felt across various sectors as organizations strive to adopt sustainable and inclusive business models.
Melanie's role as a faculty member and advisor allows her to remain at the forefront of discussions around digital governance and risk management, allowing her to share valuable expertise with fellow industry leaders. In her position at US Ecology, she champions corporate responsibility initiatives that align with global best practices in sustainability and risk management.
Melanie’s commitment to making a difference in the areas of corporate governance, sustainability, and digital transformation is evident not only in her professional roles but also in her contributions to various advisory boards. By serving on the advisory board of the Change Fashion Challenge at The New York Academy of Sciences, she supports innovation in sustainable fashion, encouraging a shift towards practices that prioritize environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, Melanie Steiner is a dedicated leader in the realms of corporate governance and risk management, known for her impactful contributions across the sustainability landscape and her ability to drive digital and transformative strategies within global organizations. Her impressive academic background, coupled with a robust career defined by innovative leadership and strategic foresight, positions her as a key influencer and advocate for sustainable corporate practices, making her a sought-after advisor and board member in today's evolving business environment.
