WGSN introduces advisory board and names chairman

Trend forecasting agency WGSN has appointed Simon Collins, former dean of the school of fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York, as chairman of its new advisory board to help accelerate its creative mission.

WGSN’s advisory board will serve to challenge the company to ensure that its “creative agenda is ever-evolving in order to maintain its position in the marketplace”, according to the press statement. In his role as chairman of the advisory board, Collins will be expected to provide creative guidance on WGSN's corporate vision, future partnerships and innovative client offerings.

"Simon's appointment shows the importance we place on identifying and engaging creative minds that will help us realise our vision for WGSN in 2015 and beyond," said Jose Papa, CEO of WGSN. "His extensive background working in design and academia, with influential brands, government institutions and beyond, combined with his creative and innovative thinking, made bringing him on board a natural decision. Simon's expertise will be invaluable to our brand as we expand our line of innovative technologies and reach greater heights."

Commenting on his appointment and the advisory board, Collins said: "WGSN is a first-class team of passionate innovators, creators and problem-solvers and I am looking forward to helping them reach new heights in 2015. I am confident that together we will find unique solutions to our industry's commercial issues and creatively disrupt brands until they feel empowered and able to lead."

WGSN states that the board of advisors will be “international in nature” and will comprise of business executives, communicators, designers, academics and digital entrepreneurs from Europe and South America, including various members of WGSN's leadership team, including Papa and chairman Duncan Painter, with members expected to be announced at a later date.