CFDA appoints Hildy Kuryk as interim CEO following Steven Kolb's resignation

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has reportedly appointed Hildy Kuryk as interim chief executive officer following the resignation of Steven Kolb, according to Vogue Business.

Kuryk will hold the position on a temporary contract while the organisation searches for a permanent successor. The CFDA has assigned Karen Harvey Consulting Group to lead the search, which is expected to take three to six months.

In a statement to the media outlet, CFDA board chairman Thom Browne said: “As we begin the search for CFDA’s next CEO, the board is focused on identifying a leader who can guide the organisation into its next chapter. We are grateful to Hildy Kuryk for providing steady interim leadership and a strong connection between the board and staff during this period.”

Kuryk previously served as Vogue’s executive director of communications from 2013 to 2017, working directly with Anna Wintour. She then went on to co-found communications consultancy Artemis Strategies in 2017 and has since worked with clients including Condé Nast, Nordstrom and The Met. She will continue in her role at Artemis while serving as interim CEO.

Her appointment follows Kolb’s resignation from the helm on September 18, after he was placed on leave following an altercation with PETA protesters at the Cos show during New York Fashion Week on September 13.

Footage circulated online showed Kolb physically restraining protesters who had entered the runway carrying placards objecting to the use of wool by Cos, which is owned by H&M Group. Kolb later responded to criticism stating that he had “reacted inappropriately” and should have left the situation to security.

Kolb had led the CFDA for 15 years as CEO and had been with the organisation since 2006. During his tenure, the organisation expanded its programmes and partnerships, including the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and CFDA Fashion Awards, while supporting American designers and New York Fashion Week.