UKFT is deeply saddened to announce that its former CEO, John Miln, passed away on 3 October aged 74.

In a career which spanned over 40 years, John worked with a number of UK and global brands including PVH Ltd, Van Heusen, Jaeger and Pepe Jeans.

John had a long involvement with the industry associations having been Chairman of the Tie Guild, a Board member and Treasurer of both the British Clothing Industry Association and the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT). He became CEO of UKFT in 2012 and stepped down in December 2015. He then became the founding non-executive Chairman of the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) in 2018.

In his role as Chairman of the Guild of British Tie Makers, he presided over its hearty (and sometimes raucous) annual lunch at the Dorchester Hotel,  which brought together many of the great and the good of the British menswear industry. A proud Scotsman he would always recite Robert Burn’s Selkirk Grace.

Adam Mansell, UKFT CEO,  said: “John was such a passionate advocate for the industry and it was a privilege to have worked with him. He was great company in and out of work and was extremely generous with his time and knowledge. John played a crucial role in building UKFT into the organisation that it now is and he will be missed by us all. John was also great company to be with. He looked great in a kilt, better still in a pair of Tartan trews! On behalf of the industry and UKFT, I send our heartfelt condolences to John’s family and many, many friends.”