Diane Sullivan

Executive Chairman, Caleres

Search every verified Diane Sullivan interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Diane Sullivan, executive chairman at Caleres, has been involved in legal proceedings and philanthropic activities. In December 2019, she delivered a defense closing argument for Johnson & Johnson in a mesothelioma trial related to baby powder, during which the judge warned her about conduct that violated prior court rulings and considered striking her closing statement. Sullivan argued that government agencies, including OSHA and the FDA, have found no evidence of toxicity from non-asbestos cleavage fragments. Sullivan has also participated in industry and community events. At a 2019 Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis event, she described herself as a first-generation American and said her parents taught her a strong work ethic. She discussed the meaning of the company name Caleres, which she said comes from the Latin word "calare" meaning passion and to glow. At the 2015 Two Ten Annual Gala, she noted that $3.15 million was raised and said she was proud of the character and integrity in the footwear industry. In 2011, she introduced herself as the founder of ThreeDecadesThreeKids.com, a parenting website, and said she has three children born in different decades.