Natalie Massenet tasked with growing British fashion
Thursday, 06 September 2012
Last night the British Fashion Council confirmed that Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet will succeed Harold Tillman as the BFC chairman.Approached to take up the position by the BFC’s Executive Board in recognition of her reputation for
“innovation and creativity” at the helm of The Net-a-porter Group, the board states that Massenet’s new role will she her become “spokesperson, figurehead and industry ambassador” for the organisation. In addition alongside the board, she will be tasked with continuing to grow the “profile of the sector globally and the businesses within it”.Commenting
on her appointment, Massenet said: “I am honoured and excited to be taking on the role of Chairman of The British Fashion Council. Over the past few years The British Fashion Council, led by Harold Tillman and Caroline Rush, has done an extraordinary job of building the profile of our industry worldwide.“Not only do we have some of the best creative talent based in London but there are also great British designers working in some of the most high profile luxury design houses in the world. We also have the best understanding of what our industry contributes to the UK economy and what a significant player the British Fashion Industry is and can continue to be.
“My experience is in merging extraordinary creative content with innovative global commerce. From January, together with Caroline Rush and her team, I aim to apply these lessons to my new role, a role I take incredibly seriously.”
Tillman, who has been responsible for forming a full-time BFC management team, organising London Fashion Week’s return to Somerset House, and convinced Burberry to bring its womenswear show back to London during his tenure, said: “For nearly five years as chair of the British Fashion Council, I have seen the industry grow and develop – taking its role at the top of the fashion world both in terms of stature, and excellence.
“Of course, I would not be comfortable moving on without securing a successor who I believe can take the baton and propel the BFC further forward. And I am delighted that Natalie Massenet will become our new chair from January 2013."
Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, added: “The board are looking forward to welcoming Natalie to the organisation and working closely with her on our programme of development and activity over the next three years, both at home and abroad. I thank Harold for his incredible support and vision and for extending his initial three year term to almost five to see us through a period of significant change.”
Massenet, who will continue in her role as Executive Chairman of The Net-a-porter Group, will take up her honorary role with the BFC from January 1, 2013, which has an initial three year term.
