British Fashion Council (BFC) chief executive Caroline Rush CBE is set to exit after 16 years at the helm.
The BFC announced today that Rush will depart in June 2025 and a search for her successor has commenced.
Rush first joined the BFC, which powers initiatives including London Fashion Week (LFW) and the annual Fashion Awards among others, in 2009 and has been “instrumental” in the development of programmes by the organisation since.
The BFC said in a statement that its revenue had more than doubled during her tenure as chief executive.
During Rush’s time at the BFC, she launched two charities that formed the BFC Foundation, grew LFW and was an advocate for circularity in the fashion industry.
Ahead of this year’s general election, Rush also developed a five-point plan, #FashionsFuture, highlighting key priorities and solutions for the government to support the fashion industry.
Rush said of her departure: “I couldn’t be prouder of what we at the BFC have achieved and how we have adapted to constant innovation and change.
“The resilience and creativity of our designers and industry is exceptional, as we witnessed throughout LFW, and I have huge respect for this dynamic community. I know firsthand that when the community comes together it can achieve what is sometimes thought to be the impossible.
“The brilliant team at the BFC are a joy to work with, as are the many supporters, advisers and friends. After 15 years in service to the industry, I am ready for a new challenge.
“Having built the organisation’s resources back to better than pre-pandemic levels, it is in a great position to continue its essential and incredibly important work with new leadership and a new chapter.
“This isn’t a goodbye as I will continue to lead and push for excellence over the next nine months until my successor is found and a handover is in place, and will always be on hand to support an organisation I adore.”
BFC chair David Pemsel said: “Caroline is a fantastic industry leader and has relentlessly championed British fashion globally for the past 15 years.
“During her tenure, she has remained dynamic and agile while navigating some of the most challenging times for the industry. On behalf of the industry, I want to thank her for her work, her passionate support and dedication.
“In support of her decision to step down next year, I will extend my term as chair to the end of 2025 and lead the search for her successor to work with the BFC leadership team to continue to put the fashion industry front and centre, building the respect it deserves.”
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