John Hoerner President of the British Fashion Council Country: Great Britain

Biography of John Horner

John Horner, the President of the British Fashion Council, is an experienced pilot who enjoys exploring fashion shops around the country in his two vintage airplanes. Alongside his wife Leah, John is a passionate dog lover and holds the role of Vice Chairman at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Society.

Born in Nebraska, USA in 1939, John Horner has made London, specifically its capital, his home since 1987. His career has long been associated with the leadership of Arcadia (formerly Burton Group), where he served as Executive Director for many years. Joining Arcadia (then known as Burton Group) in 1992, he elevated the brand's image to unprecedented heights. One of Horner's successful commercial moves was the acquisition of "Innovations" (owner of the Hawkshead brand) and "Racing Green," both mail order companies, in 1996. The company also collaborated with the British department store Debenhams in 1998, although opinions on the feasibility of this partnership sharply diverged. According to Horner, the most challenging period in the fashion industry occurred in 1999 when prices plummeted, affecting not only clothing but also overall consumer goods. In order to further develop and sustain the business, John Horner made some unpopular decisions, including the closure of over 450 retail stores in 2000. He left Arcadia in the same year.

Currently, John Horner serves as the Chairman of the British Fashion Council. He has always had a knack for discovering talent and played a crucial role in introducing British designers such as Ben de Lisi, Clements Ribeiro, Jasper Conran, and Bill Amberg to the fashion industry. In addition to his fashion pursuits, John is an experienced pilot, flying his two vintage airplanes to explore fashion stores across the country. Together with his wife Leah, he is a devoted dog lover and holds the position of Vice Chairman at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Society.

"In good times, not everything depends on you, just as in bad times. Unfortunately, many retailers, like governments, try to take credit for everything in good times and attribute other factors to the bad times," commented Horner on his understanding of business. "Maintain a sense of humor. This advice is for retailers who have not yet experienced a downturn. Swimming against the tide is harder than going with it," adds the businessman, Horner.