Chief Executive Officer

The British Fashion Council is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to help guide the organisation through its next wave of growth and innovation. The British Fashion Council (BFC) is a not-for-profit organisation that strengthens British fashion in the global economy as a leader in responsible, creative businesses. It does this through championing diversity, building and inviting the industry to actively participate in a network to accelerate a successful circular fashion economy. The BFC is a membership organisation, funded by industry patrons, commercial partners and the government. It convenes the UK fashion industry through three strategic pillars: Pioneering Relentless Innovation; Fuelling Responsible Growth; Amplifying our Narrative Globally. The CEO will also be a trustee of the BFC Foundation, the organisation’s charity and will work closely with the Board of Trustees and Fundraising Chairs to maximise the fundraising and impact of the charity.

The UK Fashion Industry has a disproportionate creative impact on global industry. It contributes to the nation’s identity both domestically and globally and uses its extraordinary convening power to make real impact in support of our designers. This impact contributes to creating an environment for the next generation of talent to thrive, it stimulates innovation in areas of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, and it promotes and amplifies our world class designers and companies within the UK and abroad. As such, the incoming CEO will have a position of huge influence, connecting regularly with established and cutting-edge creative talent, fashion CEOs and senior government ministers. This pivotal role will not only impact the fashion industry today but will be a legacy for the industry in the future. 

Against the background of industry disruption and change, the BFC is looking for a leader capable of galvanising the organisation around a set of refined strategic priorities, clarifying and communicating the purpose of the BFC to guide the industry and act as an advocate for British fashion. The CEO must be a credible ambassador for British fashion domestically and globally, with the gravitas and authority to establish and build trust with stakeholders across a multitude of viewpoints and industries. They will be responsible for forging and maintaining strong partnerships with the government on key topics such as sustainability, trade and funding, and will need to seek out new commercial partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation. Another key dimension of the role will be to innovate around funding for the industry at large. It is vital that the incoming CEO be well networked in the fashion industry with a real appreciation and understanding of the individuals and dynamics at play in order to speak credibly with creatives. This will enable the CEO to “hit the ground running” – crucial in this moment of industry transformation.

The CEO must be an excellent communicator and public speaker who can shape strategy (both internally and on a broader / external level) while proactively driving forward new initiatives. As the public facing leader of the British fashion industry, they will be responsible for engendering trust, building credibility and commanding the respect of industry leaders, and must also retain and cultivate a talented and complementary team, to continue supporting the future efforts of the BFC. 

We have asked Egon Zehnder to lead the search for this position. Interested applicants should prepare a cover letter and CV and send it to britishfashioncouncil@egonzehnder.com. The deadline for applications is Thursday 10^th October.