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David Pemsel, co-founder and CEO of ScienceMagic Inc. and former CEO of the Guardian Media Group, has been named chairman of the British Fashion Council.
In this role, Pemsel will support BFC CEO Caroline Rush in developing and implementing the not-for-profit organisation’s strategy and building British fashion’s global profile. He will also continue his responsibilities at Science Magic Inc., a global creative and strategic company that counts Versace and Glossier as clients.
The executive sees his role as a catalyst for change and is focused on ensuring that the fashion industry, like other “power” industries such as services or manufacturing, is given the highest priority by the British government.
High on the agenda: building bridges with other fashion industry elites and cultural sectors, strengthening BFC support in key pillars such as technology, sustainability and diversity and inclusion (D&I) and government support.
“BFC has extraordinary assembling power and an understanding of what the British fashion industry is looking for. I am determined to make a positive contribution to the reputation and economic value of this amazing industry,” says Pemsel, who has been on the BFC Executive Board since 2016 as non-executive director.
Pemsel takes over the role from Stephanie Fire, founder of Outnet and group president of Farfetch. Fire led the BFC for four and a half years, during which she helped shape a more inclusive and sustainable industry despite unprecedented challenges, including pandemic shutdowns and Brexit. The BFC, which is supported by industry supporters, business sponsors, events and membership fees, while it receives some funding from the UK government, has had its funding halved during this period. Prior to Fire, the role was held by Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet.
Pemsel’s media background is a surprising turn for the BFC, Pemsel said, looking for candidates from both fashion industry and business-related backgrounds. He sees it as an opportunity to raise his fashion profile. “Instead of looking at music, film or advertising as part of a separate business, they are all ultimately part of one larger and more culturally significant industry, which is the creative industry,” he said. “The fashion business makes a huge contribution to that, both economically and culturally. I want to make sure that fashion is equal and important to any creative industries in the UK.
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