The British Fashion Council has appointed Pavita Cooper as Chair, effective October 1, 2026, as the organization strengthens its leadership around government engagement, fundraising and the role of fashion in the UK economy.
Cooper will succeed David Pemsel, who will step down September 30 after 10 years on the BFC board, including four years as chair.
Cooper has a career spanning business, government and culture and previously held senior executive positions at Lloyds Banking Group and Christie’s. She serves on the boards of The King’s Trust and The Old Vic and chairs the 30% Club, a business-led campaign focused on increasing women’s representation in senior corporate leadership.
The BFC said Cooper’s appointment is intended to strengthen the organization’s influence with government and policymakers, expand fundraising capabilities and promote fashion as an important contributor to UK economic and cultural growth.
The organization has also created a new Deputy Chair position and named Caroline Issa to the role. Issa is already a BFC board member and brings extensive fashion industry experience and relationships with the global designer community.
The leadership changes are part of the BFC’s 2030: Access, Creativity, Growth strategy, which is intended to strengthen the environment for British designers, entrepreneurs and fashion businesses to launch, scale and compete internationally.
The BFC Executive Board ratified Cooper’s appointment on August 25, 2026, following a search led by the nominations committee and conducted by The MBS Group.
KEY QUOTES:
“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of the British Fashion Council. My priority will be to champion fashion as an important driver of UK growth and help strengthen the environment in which British designers, entrepreneurs and businesses can start, scale and compete globally. Laura Weir leads a talented and dedicated team; I look forward to working with them and the Board. I would like to thank David Pemsel for his exceptional service to the BFC and the fashion industry.”
Pavita Cooper, Incoming Chair of the British Fashion Council
“We are delighted to welcome Pavita as Chair of the BFC Board. As we focus on delivering our BFC 2030 strategy, Pavita’s experience, perspective and understanding of government and policy will be an important complement to our Board. Alongside Caroline Issa as Deputy Chair, who brings her deep industry expertise and is firmly connected to the fashion community on the ground, we have a powerful combination of insight, influence and industry experience to help the BFC team deliver in service of British fashion.”
Laura Weir, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council
