By Nnenna Ibeh

Pop icon, Robyn Rihanna Fenty popularly known as Rihanna, announced her resignation as the Chief Executive Officer of Savage X Fenty, a lingerie industry launched in 2018.

In what shocked many, especially the Black community, Rihanna's resignation comes barely five years after the company was launched, keeping many aloof on what the singer's next big plan could be.

Rihanna, 35, is a Barbadian pop and rhythm-and-blues singer who came to the limelight in the early 21st century with her first and second albums, 'Music of the Sun' and 'A Girl Like Me,' topped the US Billboard Chart.

In 2007, the whole world went wild with Rihanna's 'Umbrella,' released as the lead from her third album 'Good Girl Gone Bad.' She was just 19 years old when the song was released. Since then, Rihanna has remained top of the list and in the hearts of several fans.

Back to her businesses, Rihanna first launched a beauty line, Fenty, and then established Savage X Fenty, a lingerie company focused on promoting inclusivity and encouraging customers to embrace body positivity irrespective of their shapes and sizes. The brand, valued at $1 billion by Forbes and co-owned by LVMH has rapidly become a symbol of empowerment and an avenue to celebrate individuals of all backgrounds.

Rihanna's commitment and creativity have been a source of inspiration for most Black-owned entrepreneurs and career women across the globe.

However, her resignation as Savage X Fenty's CEO and handover to former Anthropologie's CEO Hilary Super may have disappointed fans who expected the icon to hand over to a Black woman.

Let us also not forget that the Savage X Fenty brand has to grow beyond Rihanna, and this can only be done with her finding a sustainable development plan or strategy for it. Which is one thing she has managed to do. On the other hand, the pop icon might have some other plans for herself or even strategizing for bigger businesses.

Implications for Black Women

Rihanna's resignation from Savage X Fenty posses several implications for The Black Community. First, her resignation will possibly leave Black women without a significant lingerie brand that is genuinely inclusive. Savage X Fenty was one of the only brands that offered a wide range of sizes and skin tones, and it provided a much-needed space for Black women to feel represented. We all hope this continues.

Second, Rihanna's resignation raises questions about the future of diversity in the fashion industry. Savage X Fenty was a pioneer in terms of inclusivity, but it is unclear whether other brands will follow suit. Her resignation may discourage other brands from taking risks on diversity.

Third, a few concerns have been raised about Hillary Super's emergence as the new CEO of the brand. Savage X Fenty is known for its commitment to inclusivity, and some people are concerned that Super may not be as committed to this mission as Rihanna. Super has yet to speak publicly about her views on inclusivity, so it is unclear where she stands. Critics feel a Black woman CEO would have sustained the company's focus on Black women.

It is important to note that these are concerns, and Super may be an excellent CEO for Savage X Fenty. However, it is also essential to be aware of these concerns so that they can be addressed.

Only time will tell how Super will perform as CEO of Savage X Fenty. However, if she can address the concerns raised, she could be a great asset to the company.