Andi Owen President and Chief Executive Officer of Herman Miller Date of Birth: .

1. Andy Owen: Leading Herman Miller Through Cultural Challenges
2. Navigating Internal Polarization
3. Creating a Platform for Dialogue
4. Early Life and Career
5. Advancing Diversity and Inclusion

Andy Owen: Leading Herman Miller Through Cultural Challenges

Andy Owen, the President and CEO of Herman Miller, has faced unexpected challenges due to her role. She has found herself amidst cultural wars, a common experience for leaders in the United States today.

Navigating Internal Polarization

Upon joining Herman Miller, Owen was surprised to encounter political polarization within the company. A Michigan factory became a battleground for wardrobe choices, with divisive slogans from both sides of the political divide. In response, Owen sought to strengthen the company's unity, which had already weathered the pandemic and declining sales.

Creating a Platform for Dialogue

"We tried to create more forums for people to come together and talk about what's going on," Owen told The New York Times. She believes that open discussions are crucial for addressing social issues such as race and inclusion, which are prevalent in both society and the corporate world.

Early Life and Career

Owen attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where she pursued art as her primary focus. It was there that she first encountered Herman Miller, an innovator in the furniture industry. She went on to study art history at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg and began her career in retail. Owen held various positions at The Gap, including leading their Banana Republic brand.

Advancing Diversity and Inclusion

As CEO of Herman Miller, Owen has joined over 1100 leading companies (representing 85 different industries) that adhere to Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) corporate policies. "We've always believed in the power of a diverse team," says Owen. "We strive to be an inclusive community at Herman Miller. As the issues of racial equity and social justice become more prevalent in our society and in corporations around the world, we are taking a hard look at how we bring our beliefs about diversity, equity, and inclusion to life."