British Fashion Council has announced new appointments to its Board of Directors to broaden expertise on the board as the organisation re-sets its strategy to focus on support for creative businesses and support for the industry. The UK’s Fashion Industry is world-renowned, exercises significant soft power, delivers economic and social benefits, is integral to personal expression and is at the intersection of Creative Industries across the UK. The Board sees the opportunity to further support the fashion industry to sustainably grow and the UK’s designer businesses from emerging talent to designer brands to continue to creatively lead. However, as it faces into sustainability challenges, a cost-of-living crisis, increased costs, and economic instability due to the war in Ukraine the need to bring the industry closer to share expertise and support Creative Businesses tackle these challenges is required.

The new non-executive director appointments are Caroline Issa, Chief Executive and Fashion Director of Tank and Editor of online magazine Because, who is also part of BFC Press Committee, Ciara Byrne, Vice President of New Business Innovation Condé Nast and Lynda Petherick, Head of Retail for Accenture in the UK and Ireland join the BFC Executive Board, effective immediately. They will join existing members David Pemsel, Chair; Caroline Rush, Chief Executive; Laura Strain, Chief Operating Officer, Jamie Gill, June Sarpong, Scott Morrison and Sian Westerman, BFC Non-Executive Directors and Justine Simons, Board Observer. The Board is also supported by a global mix of voluntary Ambassadors, Committees and Advisors who provide advice and guidance across multiple divisions.