Sofie Dolva steps down as CIFF director after four years

Sofie Dolva is stepping down as director of Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF), bringing an end to a four-and-a-half-year period during which the Danish trade event expanded its international reach and developed a presence beyond its twice-yearly exhibitions.

Maja Schildt, formerly global commercial director at Danish lifestyle brand Liewood, will take over the position on December 1, 2026. Dolva will remain at CIFF through its February 2027 edition before moving into an advisory role from March 1.

Since joining in summer 2022, Dolva has overseen efforts to strengthen CIFF's position within the international fashion industry, leading activities that have expanded beyond the fair itself, including the introduction of CIFF Media, a regular presence during Paris Fashion Week and new international partnerships.

The organisation has also strengthened its relationship with Copenhagen Fashion Week and brought the city's fashion trade landscape under a shared framework.

Reflecting on her departure, Dolva said the organisation had made significant progress during her tenure, highlighting the international network and team established over the past four years. She described the timing as right to hand over leadership, expressing confidence in the foundations built for her successor.

"CIFF now stands on solid foundations, which makes this the right time to hand over the reins. I am convinced that Maja, with her international experience, commercial understanding and strong people skills, is exactly the right person to take the work forward,” she added.

Schildt brings experience across fashion and lifestyle, having previously held international roles at Cos, Yoox Net-a-Porter and Acne Studios. At CIFF, she is expected to focus on developing the fair's commercial offering and build on its connections between brands, buyers and the wider industry throughout the year.

She commented: "Having spent my career working with international fashion and lifestyle brands, I see a real opportunity to further develop CIFF as a platform that connects brands, buyers and the wider industry, not only during fashion week, but throughout the year."

Dolva and Schildt will work together on CIFF's Paris activities in January and the 68th edition of the fair, scheduled for February 2 to 4, 2027.