The British Fashion Council announced that David Pemsel will step down as chair on September 30, 2026, concluding ten years of service on the BFC executive board, including four years as chair.
During his tenure, David has played a pivotal role in strengthening the BFC’s long-term resilience, working with the executive board and senior leadership team to guide the organisation through a significant period of strategic transformation.
David Pemsel stepping down: BFC prepares for new chair appointment
During his chairmanship, the organisation strengthened governance, achieved record in-year revenue of £14 million (FY24/25), raised £7.2 million through the BFC Foundation, and secured multi-million-pound, multi-year investment from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). David appointed ceo Laura Weir and contributed to and approved the BFC’s first four-year organisational strategy and financial plan, BFC 2030: Access, Creativity, Growth.
During his tenure, David has strengthened relationships across Government, business, and the wider creative sector, helping to reinforce the BFC's position as the leading organisation championing British fashion at home and internationally. He led landmark moments for the industry, including London Fashion Week opening the London Stock Exchange and representing the fashion sector at Downing Street, reinforcing British fashion's growing cultural and economic significance. David also oversaw the continued development of The Fashion Awards as the world's biggest fashion industry fundraiser, allowing the BFC Foundation to invest in the next generation of British creative talent through scholarships, mentoring and business development programmes.
Laura Weir highlights legacy and stability under BFC chair David Pemsel
"David has been an exceptional Chair and an unwavering champion of British fashion," said Laura Weir, chief executive, British Fashion Council. "His leadership has helped strengthen the British Fashion Council as an organisation, creating the stability, governance and long-term foundations that enable us to deliver our ambitions for the industry. His counsel, commitment and belief in the value of British fashion have helped shape an organisation that is stronger, more resilient and better positioned for the future. On behalf of the Board, executive team and wider industry, I would like to thank him for his extraordinary contribution over the past decade.”
"An immense privilege": David Pemsel comments on departure from British Fashion Council
"It has been an immense privilege to serve the British Fashion Council for the past ten years and as chair over the last four," commented David Pemsel, chair, British Fashion Council. "British fashion is one of the UK's most important creative industries, defined by extraordinary talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. From strengthening the organisation and securing long-term investment, to supporting the next generation of designers and elevating the global profile of British fashion, the BFC is entering its next chapter from a position of real strength. I have every confidence in Laura Weir, the Board and the outstanding team at the British Fashion Council as they continue to deliver their ambitious vision for the future of British fashion. It has been an honour to play a part in that journey."
The process to appoint a new chair is underway, with a further announcement to be made in September. David will continue to support the BFC through an orderly transition before stepping down.
