THE SWAROVSKI FOUNDATION APPOINTS MARISA SCHIESTL SWAROVSKI AS CHAIR
The Swarovski Foundation announces the appointment of Marisa Schiestl-Swarovski as Chair to its Board of Trustees and with her wealth of knowledge and expertise within the non-profit sector she will be instrumental in strengthening the Swarovski Foundation’s impact and strategic development in the future. Established in 2013, the Swarovski Foundation brings focus to the company’s commitment to philanthropy and generosity through its support for charitable initiatives, providing not just funding but structure and good governance to ensure positive and long-lasting social impact. The Swarovski Foundation’s success has allowed it to reach 1.4 million people through partnerships with over 60 organisations across 49 countries since inception.
Marisa Schiestl-Swarovski is a fifth-generation member of the Swarovski family and joined the Swarovski Foundation Board of Trustees in August 2018. Marisa succeeds Nadja Swarovski, Founder and Former Chair Emeritus of the Swarovski Foundation, who served as Chair since the inception of the Foundation in 2013. Marisa studied International Business in Vienna and New York before completing a master’s degree from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. Her professional career began organizing large cultural events for the city of Vienna and during her
master’s degree, she realized several projects for cultural institutions across Austria. In 2010, Marisa founded the Swarovski Family Council, which aims to foster bonds between members of the Swarovski family and acts as Chairwoman of the shareholders of the Swarovski group.
Chair of the Swarovski Foundation, Marisa Schiestl-Swarovski comments: “I am honoured to be the Chair of the Swarovski Foundation and am deeply grateful to our Founder, my cousin Nadja Swarovski for her vision, dedication, and leadership over the past years. Since 2018, I have had the opportunity to serve as a trustee for this meaningful organization, which provides support to others and to a cause greater than oneself. Being part of the Swarovski Foundation fills me with deep gratitude. I look forward to supporting and expanding the Swarovski Foundation’s efforts and continuing the tremendous momentum of creating positive impact with charity organisations worldwide.”
The Swarovski Foundation’s mission is to build on its heritage to achieve a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable society by supporting charitable initiatives and organizations that foster culture and creativity, promote human empowerment, and preserve the environment. The Swarovski Foundation funds educational charities and institutions working across fashion, jewellery and design, promotes gender equality by working with organizations that empower young people and address the challenges facing women around the world, supports organizations that promote the conservation, protection and improvement of wildlife and the natural world. The Swarovski Foundation Board of Trustees comprise of Swarovski family members and international experts across key fields each highly committed to ensuring the Foundation’s mission is accomplished through the support of global partnerships and initiatives within the three areas.
Chair of the Board of Directors of Swarovski International Holding, Luisa D. Delgado shares: “It is a great pleasure to count on Marisa Schiestl-Swarovski as the new Chair of the Swarovski Foundation Board of Trustees. Her contribution to date as a Trustee to the Swarovski Foundation’s philanthropic work has been invaluable. Marisa’s commitment and broad experience will enable her to play a vital role in its future as the new Chair. We look forward to the Board of Trustees continuing to create positive impact through the Swarovski Foundation as part of an important sustainability commitment of Swarovski, reflective of its 127-year long history and deeply rooted inclusive values.”
