Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole (Emory College, '76) is founder, president, and chief executive officer of Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., one of the top labels in contemporary fashion that sells shoes, clothing, and accessories in more than 76 stores worldwide. Kenneth Cole's design innovation has earned the company a reputation as a fashion leader. His controversial advertising campaign has garnered worldwide attention for its humor and social consciousness and an ongoing portion of the company's marketing budget continues to be dedicated to public awareness initiatives.

In 1985, Kenneth Cole was the first member of the fashion community to take a public stand in the fight against AIDS. He recently was elected Vice Chair of amfAR, The American Foundation for AIDS Research, on whose national board he has served for several years. He also serves on the national board of HELP USA, the largest provider of housing and services for the homeless, and has been a board member of that organization since its founding in 1987. Other important social issues on which Kenneth Cole has taken a public stand include gun control, domestic violence, capital punishment, and reproductive rights.

Kenneth Cole has been recognized for his design and business talents as well as for his philanthropic involvement. Since 1994 when Kenneth Cole Productions went public, the company has consistently been named to Forbes' annual list of the World's 200 Best Small Companies in America as well as Business Week's list of Top Hot Growth Companies.

In recognition of his dedication to increasing public awareness and commitment to social justice, Kenneth Cole has received a number of honors and awards. These include The Creative Coalition's Spotlight Award, Amnesty International's Media Spotlight Award, and the Extraordinary Voice Award by Mother's Voices for his continued efforts to increase AIDS awareness. Cole has also received recognition for his humanitarian leadership, including awards by Divine Design, the CFDA, and the Council on Foundations and many more. In 1999, he was the recipient of an Emory Medal in recognition of his distinguished service.

According to amfAR, "Kenneth Cole has made one of the single most remarkable philanthropic commitments in contemporary America, a commitment that breaks down the barriers between the public interest and corporate sectors and between deeply held personal values of equity and justice and day-to-day business concerns. In doing so, he proves that a social conscience and business acumen are not mutually exclusive and provides a role model for a new kind of corporate philanthropy."