David Pemsel to Step Down as British Fashion Council Chairman

David Pemsel will step down as chairman of the British Fashion Council after a four-year tenure in the UK trade body’s top job and a decade on its executive board.

Pemsel, who will step down on Sept. 30, played a key role in stabilising and strengthening the BFC’s finances following years of post-pandemic disruptions and broader economic headwinds across the British fashion sector. Under his stewardship, the organisation booked £14 million ($19.1 million) in revenue in 2025 and raised £7.2 million through the BFC Foundation.

During his tenure, Pemsel built relationships across government and business, representing the fashion sector at Downing Street and having London Fashion Week, which the BFC organizes, ring the opening bell at the London Stock Exchange in 2024. He also presided over the BFC’s annual Fashion Awards, a key fundraiser, enabling the BFC Foundation to invest in young British talent through scholarships, mentoring and business development programs.

Last year, Pemsel hired Laura Weir as the BFC’s chief executive, a perch from which she has injected fresh energy into the trade body and helped London Fashion Week regain some of its lost lustre through a refreshed schedule and stronger commercial partnerships. The calendar for next month’s shows includes the return of McQueen, Mulberry, M&S and H&M, alongside perennial anchor Burberry.

Pemsel — who has a background in media, including at the Guardian Media Group where he served as CEO for four years — became BFC chairman in September 2022, succeeding Stephanie Phair.

The BFC has yet to name a replacement for Pemsel.

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