Caroline Rush has announced that she is stepping down from her role as chief financial officer of the British Fashion Council, a role she has held for 15 years. The announcement comes just after the spring/summer 2025 season of London Fashion Week wrapped up, its 40th anniversary celebration year.
Rush was first appointed to the BFC in 2009, and was tasked with restructuring and promoting both London Fashion Week and the Fashion Awards. She has been instrumental in helping to grow both on a global scale, and in supporting up-and-coming British fashion talent. For her services to fashion, she was awarded a CBE in 2015.
In a statement released today, Rush revealed that she will be staying on until a successor has been named, adding that she was ready for “a new challenge”.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what we at the British Fashion Council have achieved and how we have adapted to constant innovation and change,” she said. “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 know first-hand that when the community comes together it can achieve what is sometimes thought to be the impossible. The brilliant team at the British Fashion Council are a joy to work with, as are the many supporters, advisors and friends. After 15 years in service to the industry, I am ready for a new challenge.”
Rush added that she had helped build the organisation back up to pre-pandemic levels, and felt that now was the right time to step aside. BFC chairman David Pemsel was quick to praise Rush’s time at the organisation.
“On behalf of the industry, I want to thank her for her work, her passionate support and dedication,” he said in a statement today. “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 leadership team to continue to put the fashion industry front and centre, building the respect it deserves.”