The British Fashion Council Announces Laura Weir As Its New CEO

The British Fashion Council announces the appointment of Laura Weir as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 28 April 2025. Laura Weir succeeds the outgoing CEO, Caroline Rush, who has led the business for fifteen years.

Recognised as a leader in the fashion industry, Laura Weir brings a knowledge of British fashion designers, executive board level experience in retail and editorial industry leadership. Weir is also an experienced fashion journalist who has written for the London Evening Standard’s ES Magazine, The Sunday Times, and British Vogue. She joined British retailer Selfridges in January 2023, overseeing creative, marketing and communications.

Outgoing British Fashion Council CEO Caroline Rush is responsible for pioneering several initiatives, such as the BFC Foundation, born out of two charities she launched. ‘Since 2020, the Foundation has donated £4.3 million ($5.7 million) to support designers and their businesses’, per BoF. 

“After 15 years in service to the industry, I am ready for a new challenge. Having built the organisation’s resources back to better than pre-pandemic levels, it is in a great position to continue its essential and incredibly important work with new leadership and a new chapter,” Rush said in a statement when she had announced her departure last September.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Weir as the incoming CEO of the British Fashion Council. Laura has worked alongside established and emerging designers, creative talent, industry leaders and press throughout her career over the past two decades,” says British Fashion Council Chair David Pemsel. “Her experience gives her an understanding of the complexities of the fashion industry ecosystem, and the strategic foresight to be able to lead positive transformation and initiatives to drive the next chapter of the BFC both domestically and globally, supported by a brilliant team.”

“I am honoured to lead the British Fashion Council’s next chapter at an exciting and pivotal time for the British fashion industry,” acknowledges Laura Weir. “I look forward to working with the British Fashion Council team to champion culture and creativity to catalyse growth for British fashion, both domestically and globally. I will focus on support for emerging and established designers and strengthening our pipeline of British creative talent.

“The British Fashion Council will continue to deliver an enhanced international industry presence, and I look forward to forging partnerships with industry and government to future-proof the sector and its significant contribution to the British economy while addressing critical challenges such as environmental responsibility, and prioritising representation and inclusion,” she adds. “It is a privilege to champion the diversity and ingenuity that defines British fashion, and to lead a mission which will inspire generations to come.”

In her new role as CEO, Laura Weir will oversee the British Fashion Council, working with fashion designers, industry partners and government bodies to further the organisation’s mission of championing British Fashion through pioneering its programmes that elevate creative talent. The not-for-profit is focused on responsible growth through its community that advocates for creativity and collectively supports the industry to grow and build opportunities for talent; preparing businesses for positive change, circular economy and innovation; and global amplification through London Fashion Week and The Fashion Awards.

British Fashion Council

Founded in 1983, The British Fashion Council is a not-for-profit organisation that harnesses the collective power of the fashion industry to enable sustainable growth and strengthen British fashion. The council organises the bi-annual London Fashion Week and the annual Fashion Awards.