In the interim, CFDA’s CEO Steven Kolb will serve as chair while the council searches for his replacement. The CFDA plans to announce its new chairman by Fall 2022, and the new chairperson is expected to assume the position by January 2023.
“The CFDA and its Board of Directors thank Tom Ford for his leadership working on behalf of the American fashion industry during an unprecedented time. Tom initiated several key initiatives, which the CFDA remains firmly committed to,” said Kolb.
While Ford will no longer be the chairman of the CFDA, Business of Fashion has confirmed that he will remain on the board alongside current officers Vera Wang, Thom Brown, Aurora James, Tory Burch, Sam Herman, and Tracy Reese.
“I am honored to have been able to support the truly incredible talent in the American fashion industry for these past three years, and I look forward to continuing in my role on the CFDA Board,” said Ford in a statement.
During his tenure, Ford was recognized for scaling back the New York Fashion Week calendar from seven days and eight nights to five days and five nights. Additionally, Ford established the American Collections Calendar, which now allows American designers to have more say in how they present their shows.
Ford was first only expected to take on the position for two years. However, he ultimately extended his term to another year. Ford succeeded Diane Von Furstenberg, who held the position for 13 years.
