After 15 transformative years, BFC looks for new leadership while Rush prepares to leave in June
The British Fashion Council is seeking a new CEO following the announcement that Caroline Rush will step down in June 2025 after 15 years in the role. Rush will continue to lead the organization while the search for her successor gets underway.
BFC Chair David Pemsel praised Rush for her leadership, championing her as “a fantastic industry leader [who] has relentlessly championed British fashion globally for past 15 years. During her tenure she has remained dynamic and agile whilst 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.”
During her tenure, Rush introduced several key initiatives, including the BFC Foundation and The Fashion Awards, which support emerging designers. She also transformed London Fashion Week into a platform that engages both industry professionals and consumers through cultural events.
Rush also spearheaded the Institute of Positive Fashion which leads a number of programmes to focus on industry innovation, specifically around environment, people and circularity, and most recently developed #FashionsFuture, a five-point plan for government outlining key priorities and potential solutions focused on rallying support and investment for the fashion industry gaining recognition for its impact and ability to innovate and drive growth for the UK.
Rush has not disclosed her future plans but expressed pride in the BFC’s achievements under her leadership. Speaking to the momentous transition, she said, “I couldn’t be prouder of what we at the British Fashion Council 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 London Fashion Week and I have huge respect for this dynamic community. I know first-hand that when the community comes together it can achieve what is sometimes thought to be the impossible. The brilliant team at the British Fashion Council are a joy to work with, as are the many supporters, advisors 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 9 months until my successor is found and a handover is in place and will always be on hand to support an organisation I adore.”