Fairware Co-Founder Sarah White To Retire From The Distributor

Fairware (PPAI 262992, Standard-Base) has announced that Sarah White, co-founder of the Vancouver-based distributor, is retiring from the company and moving into the next phase of her life and career. White founded the company just under 20 years ago with Andrea Harris and Denise Taschereau, who is currently chair of the PPAI Board of Directors.

White had also previously been serving in the role of chief operating officer.
Going forward, Taschereau will continue to lead the company as sole owner and CEO.

Fairware was founded in 2005 out of a garage. Over the past two decades, the distributor has prioritized a focus on responsible business practices within the promo industry. In recent years, under the leadership of Taschereau and White, the company has become a leader in responsible sourcing, diversity, equity and inclusion, community impact and environmental responsibility.

The company recently called on the industry to take the current state of global trade as an opportunity to address promo’s gap in supply chain transparency.

According to Fairware, the move had been previously planned, and the transition will occur without any changes seen by customers. Along with Taschereau, additional leadership will come from Nicole Hirst, director of operations, and Charles Freund, director of sales.

I’m proud of the brand we’ve created and I’m excited to continue showing what’s possible when values and business go hand in hand.”

Denise Taschereau

Owner & CEO, Fairware

“We’ve built something really special here,” says Taschereau. “I’m proud of the brand we’ve created and I’m excited to continue showing what’s possible when values and business go hand in hand. This next chapter is about growing our impact, staying curious and helping more organizations walk their talk through responsible merch.”

A ‘Bittersweet’ Departure

Having helped build Fairware from the ground up, White says that she enters a new chapter of her life grateful to be able to look back on what has been accomplished.

“It’s bittersweet to say goodbye, but I’m filled with pride for what we’ve accomplished and where Fairware is headed,” White says. “The industry has changed so much over the past 20 years, and I’ve loved being part of that evolution.