Caroline Rush CBE is stepping down as CEO of the British Fashion Council in June 2025, following 16 years in the role.
Rush joined the British Fashion Council in 2009 and has led the organisation through significant change, providing a blueprint for fashion councils to support emerging talent around the world.
Focused on designers, she has been instrumental in developing the “world-class” programmes that unlock and elevate British creative talent. Its revenue has more than doubled in her tenure.
Among many achievements, Rush launched two charities that later combined to form the BFC Foundation – created to support and secure the pipeline of talent to the global fashion industry.
The charity continues to build momentum, remitting £4.3 million to support designers and their businesses since 2020. The Fashion Awards are the main fundraiser for this and have grown in impact and scale.
Rush was also tasked with strengthening London Fashion Week as a cultural platform during her tenure, positioning it as one of the “Big Four” and building out London’s identity as the capital of creativity.
She also spearheaded the Institute of Positive Fashion, which leads a number of programmes to focus on industry innovation, specifically around environment, people and circularity.
Most recently, ahead of the election in June 2024, Rush developed #FashionsFuture, a five-point plan for government outlining priorities and potential solutions focused on rallying support and investment for the fashion industry.
Caroline Rush CBE, CEO of the British Fashion Council, said: “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 London Fashion Week and I have huge respect for this dynamic community
“I am now 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.”
Rush will continue to lead the organisation while the search for her successor begins.
David Pemsel, Chair of the British Fashion Council, said: “Caroline is a fantastic industry leader and 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.
“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 to continue to put the fashion industry front and centre, building the respect it deserves.”
