British Fashion Council strengthens executive board

The British Fashion Council has strengthened its executive board by naming three new non-executives alongside the appointment of Sian Westerman of Rothschild Global Advisory as president of its investment and business strategic pillars.

Farfetch founder and chief executive José Neves, Dylan Jones, British GQ editor and London Fashion Week Men’s chairman, and David Pemsel, chief executive of the Guardian Media Group, have all been named non-executive directors.

They will join existing board members, Dame Natalie Massenet, chairman; Caroline Rush, chief executive and Anya Hindmarch, a non-executive director.

Commenting on the new non-executive directors, Massenet, said: “These are three strategic appointments, Dylan as the voice of menswear, an area of significant growth; David for his expertise in building international audiences through digital platforms and José a tech entrepreneur and retail disrupter.

“All three are leaders in their field, innovators and strategists and will play significant roles in ensuring London leads in design, business, technology and communication in fashion.”

BFC names three non-executive directors

Neves, added: “It is a huge honour to be joining such an esteemed group on the BFC Executive Board. Since I started my first fashion business in London in 1996, I have witnessed the tremendous evolution of British fashion and, as a designer and then as a technology entrepreneur, I experienced both the transformational role of the BFC and its unparalleled leadership.

“The BFC will undoubtedly continue to ensure Britain stays at the forefront of global fashion and I am very humbled and honoured to offer my contribution to this group and its mission.”

The British Fashion Council appointed its first executive board in 2009. The executive board briefs an advisory board of industry patrons, partners, media and educators. In 2013, Massenet was appointed chair, succeeding Harold Tillman, and in turn appointed presidents of the organisation’s strategic pillars.

The initial presidents were Sarah Mower and Meribeth Parker, education; Sophia Neophitou, reputation, Jonathan Goodwin, investment; James McArthur, business, and Peter Fitzgerald, innovation and digital. As of July 11, Westerman, senior adviser at Rothschild Global Advisory succeeded Goodwin and McArthur to become president of both the investment and business strategic pillars.

Image: courtesy of British Fashion Council