# British Fashion Council leadership transition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/british-fashion-council-leadership-transition
> Updated: 2026-09-10T04:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

David Pemsel announced he will step down as chair of the British Fashion Council (BFC) on September 30, following a decade on the executive board and four years as chair. During his tenure, the organization achieved record revenue of £14 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year and implemented the ‘BFC 2030: Access, Creativity, Growth’ strategy.

Pavita Cooper, described as a diversity advocate and business expert, has been named as Pemsel’s successor. She is scheduled to assume the role on October 1. Her leadership is expected to focus on the BFC’s goal of increasing gross annual revenue to £18 million by 2030 and utilizing fashion to drive UK economic growth. To support the transition, board member Caroline Issa has been appointed to the newly created position of deputy chair.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Pavita Cooper named chair of British Fashion Council

Pavita Cooper will become the new chair of the British Fashion Council on October 1, succeeding David Pemsel to lead the organization's 2030 growth and economic influence strategy.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pavita-cooper-named-chair-of-british-fashion-council

### 2026-08-27: British Fashion Council chair David Pemsel to step down

David Pemsel will step down as chair of the British Fashion Council on September 30 after four years in the role and a decade on the board.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/british-fashion-council-chair-david-pemsel-to-step-down

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Cite as: British Fashion Council leadership transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/british-fashion-council-leadership-transition