As an international company, HUGO BOSS is aware of its corporate responsibility vis-à-vis employees, society, and the environment. In this context, responsible corporate action is an important prerequisite for ensuring competitiveness and long-term business success. Consequently, HUGO BOSS not only places the highest demands on innovation and product quality, but also integrates environmental and social considerations across its value chain. With sustainability being an integral part of its business activities, the Company’s Sustainability Strategy is built on five pillars that aim to drive change within the fashion industry, underpinned by a strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) foundation. At all times, HUGO BOSS is committed to complying with applicable regulatory frameworks and adhering to its internal guidelines to the fullest extent possible. Group Strategy, Sustainability Strategy, Combined Non-financial Statement
Corporate compliance
HUGO BOSS operates in a large number of countries and therefore in different legal frameworks. At HUGO BOSS, corporate compliance is a key responsibility of the Managing Board, comprising measures to ensure adherence to statutory and other legal requirements, internal corporate policies, and codices. This includes, among other things, data protection, antitrust and anti-corruption regulations, as well as the provisions of capital market law. HUGO BOSS expects all employees to act in a legally impeccable manner at all times in their day-to-day work.
The Compliance & Human Rights Officer reports to the General Counsel, who holds the role of Chief Compliance Officer, and supports the Managing Board in monitoring effective compliance management. Together with the compliance officers in the Group companies, the Compliance & Human Rights Officer ensures that the compliance program is implemented and continuously developed throughout the Group. The Audit Committee is regularly informed about the activities of the Compliance department.
HUGO BOSS defines Group-wide principles of conduct in a Code of Conduct and related Group policies, providing a clear framework to ensure the legality of employee conduct. The focus is placed on regulations governing compliant conduct, including competition and antitrust law, the avoidance of conflicts of interest, the appropriate handling of company information, data protection, fair working conditions and respectful treatment, as well as anti-corruption. Employees are continuously familiarized with the requirements of the Code of Conduct and the Group policies through regular e‑learning programs for all employees with computer access, as well as topic-specific face-to-face training sessions. HUGO BOSS does not tolerate any form of deliberate misconduct or persistent violations of the Code of Conduct and the Group policies.
Employees may seek support and advice on matters concerning legal conduct from their supervisors or the Compliance department. As an additional reporting channel, HUGO BOSS has established a Group-wide ombudsperson system. Employees, suppliers, and trading partners may contact an external ombudsperson confidentially, and if needed, anonymously in the event of indications of fraud, infringements of antitrust law, or breaches of compliance guidelines. The ombudsperson’s contact details are available to all employees via the Company’s intranet and on the corporate website. The same applies to the HUGO BOSS Speak Up Channel, which likewise enables confidential and anonymous reporting of misconduct and criminal offenses. Further details on whistleblower protection and the handling of reports are set out in the Whistleblowing Policy on the corporate website and intranet. Combined Non-financial Statement, Governance
Capital market communication
HUGO BOSS reports regularly, comprehensively, and in a timely manner on its business development, operational and financial performance, as well as material changes within the Group. Investor Relations activities include regular dialog with institutional investors, financial analysts, and private shareholders. As part of the annual and quarterly financial results releases, audio or videoconference calls are held for financial analysts and institutional investors to provide detailed insights into the Group’s operational and financial performance. The Group’s strategy and key strategic developments are also presented and discussed in detail at a Capital Markets Day on a regular basis. In addition to dedicated events for private investors, the Annual General Meeting provides a further opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about the Company’s performance. All key information and financial releases, such as press releases, voting rights notifications, financial reports, the financial calendar, and presentations of roadshows and conferences, are published on the corporate website. group.hugoboss.com