An appreciation of Professor Iain Renwick, President of the British School of Fashion at GCU

Professor Iain Renwick, President of the British School of Fashion at the London campus of our University, sadly passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021.  His loss will be deeply felt by the many students he inspired and the academic colleagues he worked alongside during the last four years.

Iain was a proud 'Glasgow boy', born in our city where he went on to study Law at the University of Glasgow. He had a stellar career in industry, serving a range of communications and retail businesses, including as the CEO at Liberty plc, with Habitat Ltd and with MTV Networks. 

For the past 12 years, Iain has been determined to give back in numerous ways and he worked as a Non-Executive Advisor, Chair and Trustee of a number of charities and enterprise initiatives covering the arts, heritage, young people, health, education and particularly sustainability and the environment. He was passionately committed to tackling climate change and promoting sustainability, most notably in the challenging context of the fashion industry, and he was hugely successful as Executive Chairman at the global sustainability consultancy Eco Age Ltd.

Iain's demonstrable commitment to social justice and sustainability really shone through all he did in his Professorial and President role at our University. He was an outspoken, influential ambassador for the Common Good mission of the University where his experience and expertise proved invaluable in helping develop sustainable, entrepreneurial and socially responsible solutions for the businesses we engage with and for our international projects focused on delivering social impact.

Iain was a captivating public speaker and a warm individual, so generously giving of his time and knowledge for the education of our students and finding them key placements and internships so important to their careers.

He was a wonderful conversationalist, bon viveur and thought leader, who brought such energy and commitment to everything he did. 

Iain's contribution to Glasgow Caledonian University will be sorely missed. On a personal note, I will dearly miss his friendship.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are extended to Iain's family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Professor Pamela Gillies CBE, FRSE

Principal & Vice-Chancellor

June 23, 2021