The Former Vogue Communications Executive Will Lead The Organization During Its Search For A Permanent Successor
The Council of Fashion Designers of America has named Hildy Kuryk Interim CEO following the resignation of Steven Kolb.
Kuryk will serve in the role on a temporary contract while the CFDA searches for a permanent successor. The organization has retained Karen Harvey Consulting Group to lead the search, which is expected to take three to six months.
“As we begin the search for CFDA’s next CEO, the Board is focused on identifying a leader who can guide the organization into its next chapter,” said Thom Browne, CFDA Board Chairman. “We are grateful to Hildy Kuryk for providing steady interim leadership and a strong connection between the Board and staff during this period.”
Kuryk will oversee the transition and act as a liaison between CFDA staff and the board. The organization said she is not a candidate for the permanent CEO role.
Though Kuryk does not currently have ties to the CFDA, she brings experience across fashion, media, communications, and politics. She served as Vogue’s Executive Director of Communications from 2013 to 2017, working directly with Anna Wintour. In 2017, she co-founded Artemis Strategies, a boutique consultancy whose clients have included Condé Nast, Nordstrom, and The Met. Before joining Vogue, Kuryk spent 15 years in politics, most recently as National Finance Director for the Democratic National Committee.
The leadership transition follows Kolb’s resignation after an incident at the COS show on September 13, where he was seen on video restraining PETA protesters. The video circulated widely online, and Kolb resigned five days later.
The CFDA, a nonprofit trade organization, oversees major industry initiatives including New York Fashion Week, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, and the CFDA Fashion Awards.