Karen Blackett CBE Joins British Fashion Council Board, Succeeding June Sarpong

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has appointed Karen Blackett CBE to its board of directors, replacing outgoing member June Sarpong when her term ends later this month.

Blackett is best known for senior leadership roles in top marketing agencies and for her work with UK Government, where she has served as a Department for International Trade Business Ambassador, a non-executive board member at the Cabinet Office and the Prime Minister’s Race Equality Business Champion. She has championed diversity and inclusion across each of those posts.

“Karen’s appointment comes at a critical time for British fashion,” said BFC chair David Pemsel. “Her long-standing relationships in government and her ability to shape policy will strengthen our advocacy and help keep fashion central to the UK’s cultural and economic life.”

Blackett called British fashion “a sector we should be extremely proud of,” adding, “I’m excited to help ensure its contributions are understood, championed and cherished.”

As part of the executive board, Blackett will help steer the BFC’s non-profit mission: driving responsible growth, embedding innovation through its Institute of Positive Fashion and amplifying British creativity worldwide via London Fashion Week and The Fashion Awards.