Steven Kolb Steps Down as CFDA CEO and President After 20 Years

Září 19, 2026 - 05:00

Steven Kolb is stepping down as CEO and President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the organization announced Friday, bringing his two-decade tenure at the trade association to a close. Kolb has spent more than 20 years at the CFDA, including 15 years as CEO.

In announcing his departure, the CFDA described Kolb as “a dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion,” while expressing gratitude for his many years of leadership and service to both the organization and the wider industry.

Summary

Steven Kolb is stepping down as CEO and President of the CFDA after 20 years with the organization
Kolb spent 15 years as CEO and helped expand the CFDA’s programs, partnerships, philanthropic and scholarship initiatives, and support for emerging designers
His tenure also included efforts around sustainability and circularity, opportunities for underrepresented creatives, and the continued development of New York Fashion Week
Kolb said he is most proud of the CFDA’s impact on American designers by supporting creativity and helping businesses grow
The announcement follows Kolb’s leave of absence after an incident involving PETA protesters at the COS show during New York Fashion Week; his resignation statement does not identify the incident as the reason for his departure

Two Decades Supporting American Fashion

Reflecting on his decision to leave the organization, Kolb said: “After twenty years leading the CFDA, I have made the difficult decision to step down as CEO and President. I am enormously proud of what we have built together and believe this is the right moment for both me and the organization to begin a new chapter.”

During Kolb’s tenure, the CFDA strengthened its financial position while expanding its programs, partnerships, philanthropic work and scholarship initiatives. It supported emerging designers through platforms such as the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, advanced sustainability and circularity, and created opportunities for creatives from underrepresented communities, all while supporting and elevating New York Fashion Week and broadening the CFDA’s reach both nationally and internationally. As recently as January 2026, Kolb reported that the organization had strengthened its finances the previous year, exceeded its fundraising goals, and relaunched its official website and the Fashion Calendar.

“Over the past two decades, we strengthened the organization financially, expanded its programs and partnerships, increased our philanthropic and scholarship initiatives, supported generations of emerging designers, advanced sustainability and circularity, created opportunities for creatives from underrepresented communities, supported and elevated New York Fashion Week, and broadened the CFDA’s national and global reach,” Kolb said.

At the center of those efforts, however, was the CFDA’s work with American designers.

“What I am most proud of is the impact we have had on American designers—supporting creativity and helping businesses grow.”

Working Alongside Four CFDA Chairs

Kolb also emphasized that the organization’s development over the past two decades was a collective effort, thanking CFDA members, designers, Board members, staff, partners and supporters. He specifically acknowledged the four CFDA Chairs with whom he worked during his tenure: Stan Herman, Diane von Furstenberg, Tom Ford and current Chairman Thom Browne.

“None of this was the work of one person. I am deeply grateful to our CFDA members and to the designers, Board members, staff, partners and supporters with whom I have had the privilege of working. I am especially grateful to the four Chairs I served alongside—Stan Herman, Diane von Furstenberg, Tom Ford and Thom Browne—for their leadership, partnership and friendship.”

Kolb concluded his statement by reflecting on the personal significance of leaving the organization after two decades.

“Leaving after twenty years is deeply emotional, but I do so proud of what we accomplished together and confident in the CFDA’s future. It has been one of the great privileges of my life to serve this community.”

Departure Follows Leave of Absence After COS Show Incident

Kolb’s departure comes days after an incident during New York Fashion Week. At the COS runway show on September 13, PETA activists protesting the use of wool disrupted the presentation. Kolb was filmed physically intervening with protesters, with footage of the incident subsequently circulating online.

Kolb later apologized for his response, acknowledging that he should have left the situation to security personnel. The CFDA subsequently announced that he would take a leave of absence while the organization conducted a review of the incident.

Kolb’s resignation statement does not cite the COS incident as the reason for his departure. Instead, he said he believed it was “the right moment for both me and the organization to begin a new chapter.” As such, a direct causal connection between the incident and his decision to step down has not been established in the statements provided.

In its statement following his decision, the CFDA thanked Kolb for his years of leadership and service, adding that he leaves the organization “well positioned, with a clear mission and dedicated team” as it looks toward the future of American fashion.