Dr Julie King Named New Chair of ASBCI

Dr Julie King named new chair of the ASBCI

Dr Julie King, Executive Dean for the School of Digital Technologies and Arts at Staffordshire University, has been announced as the new chair of the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI). Garry Knox, Sustainability Director at Green Earth Cleaning, has been appointed as vice-chair, alongside existing vice-chair Jonty Wilson.

Formerly ASBCI Event Director, Julie brings 30 years of experience in fashion and textiles academia to her new role as chair, having worked in universities across the UK and abroad. She takes over from Dr Alistair Knox, who stepped down in March and will continue to serve on the association’s board of directors.

Julie takes charge of the ASBCI at a time of rapid change for the fashion and textile sector, and she will focus on the continued development of the association as a centre of technical excellence and knowledge sharing within the UK industry. In particular, her expertise in digital technologies will be essential for guiding the ASBCI’s ongoing digital journey and evolution of its activities to ensure a rewarding and relevant membership experience.

Julie is the Executive Dean for the School of Digital Technologies and Arts at Staffordshire University, a position she took up in May 2022. She was Events Director for the ASBCI for 10 years and is a member of the FTC Steering Committee. Julie has a PhD in colour forecasting. She has worked as a forecaster with Global Colour Research, has published in books, journals, delivered conference papers, guest lectures and keynote speeches, and she is regularly invited to review conference abstracts and papers and help organise events on the topic.

Outgoing Chair Dr Alistair Knox said: “I am delighted to pass the reins of the ASBCI to Julie. She has done an exceptional job as Event Director for many years, producing a series of successful conferences and webinars, and I know she will continue to do an exceptional job as chair. Her experience and knowledge of the industry and its digital transformation make her perfectly placed to continue the ASBCI’s own transformation and ensure the association remains relevant to members in this new era.”

Dr Julie King said: “I would like to thank Alistair for his many years at the helm of the ASBCI and his dedication to both the association and the industry it serves. I am excited to take over this role and continue to guide the association and its members through the challenges and opportunities of the coming years. We have several initiatives planned for the next 12 months and I look forward to liaising with members to ensure the ASBCI is aligned with their needs and priorities.”

New vice-chair Garry Knox was previously Membership and Marketing Director, a position he held from 2016. He will fulfil the duties of the vice-chair alongside Jonty Wilson, Head of Quality – Sourcing at Primark. Garry said: “I have worked closely with Julie for several years on various ASBCI committees and initiatives, and I am delighted that, together with Jonty, we will take on the important task of steering the ASBCI and its members through the years ahead, ensuring that we bring the opportunities for all members to help understand new innovations, and embrace changes on the industry landscape.”

The recent AGM also saw a number of other changes at director level. Long-standing vice-chair Diane Waterhouse is stepping down but will remain as a director, while Chris Thierry and Alan Cannon Jones are both resigning as directors. Taking their places on the board are Angela Gaskell from N Brown and Glyn Garbett from Intertek.