Caroline Rush – Worked with the London Organising Committee of Olympic & Paralympic Games to Launch ‘Britain Creates’

Caroline Rush CBE is the former Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council and one of the most influential figures shaping the future of global fashion. From her appointment in 2009, she transformed London Fashion Week into a leading international platform, securing the return of iconic brands such as Burberry and Vivienne Westwood. Under her leadership, the BFC launched initiatives including the Fashion Awards, BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, and London Fashion Week Men’s. Her strategic vision has expanded British fashion’s global reach, bringing designers to markets worldwide, while championing sustainability, innovation, and education as pillars of the industry’s future.

Speaker Topics:

• British Fashion Council
• Marketing and public relations
• Technology
• Sustainability
• Best-practice
• Business management
• Leadership and teamwork

Credentials and Impact

Caroline began her career in marketing and PR, building expertise across the fashion, music, and lifestyle industries. After founding and running her own consultancy, she worked closely with the British Fashion Council (BFC), delivering its communications strategy for five years.

In April 2009, she was appointed Chief Executive of the BFC, a role she held for over a decade. Her tenure marked a period of transformation: she launched initiatives such as the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, the BFC Fashion Trust, and the BFC Fashion Arts Foundation; oversaw the Council’s move to Somerset House; and curated landmark projects including Britain Creates for the London 2012 Olympic Games. She was instrumental in establishing London Collections Men (later London Fashion Week Men’s), expanding London Fashion Week internationally, and reimagining the British Fashion Awards as The Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall.

In recognition of her contributions, Rush was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2014. She later received an Honorary Professorship at Glasgow Caledonian University and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Arts London.

Today, she serves as a Strategic Advisor, bringing her expertise in global fashion, creative industries, and cultural diplomacy to boards, institutions, and policy groups worldwide.

Publications and Media

Caroline has overseen and contributed to landmark publications such as The Value of Fashion and The Future of Fashion, the first in-depth, data-driven reports on the UK fashion industry. She has been featured in leading media, including Vogue, The Business of Fashion, The Evening Standard, and the BBC, where she has discussed sustainability, innovation, and cultural policy. Her commentary continues to shape public discourse on the creative industries.

Why Book Caroline?

Caroline Rush is a compelling speaker who brings over 20 years of leadership and advisory experience at the forefront of fashion and the creative industries. As the former Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, she transformed London Fashion Week into a global platform and spearheaded initiatives that shaped the future of British fashion through sustainability, innovation, and international growth. Today, as a Strategic Advisor, she continues to guide boards, institutions, and cultural bodies on creative strategy, government relations, and industry development.

She has delivered keynote talks and panel contributions at major global events, offering unique insights into leadership, creative economies, and cultural diplomacy. Her ability to connect creativity with commerce and policy makes her relevant to audiences far beyond fashion. Whether addressing innovation, sustainability, or the future of the creative industries, Caroline inspires and challenges audiences to rethink how culture and business intersect.

To book Caroline to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry