CFDA Chief Executive Steven Kolb Resigns Days After Restraining PETA Protesters

Steven Kolb, the longtime chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), announced Friday that he is stepping down from his position.

The announcement comes days after Kolb was filmed physically restraining two People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) protesters during an altercation at a runway show for Cos, a brand owned by H&M.

Kolb, who has led the fashion industry's main trade organization for two decades, issued a statement saying, “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.”

The incident occurred Sunday when protesters attempted to disrupt the runway show. Video footage showed Kolb restraining one protester, Andrija Barak, by placing his hands over her mouth and using his arms and leg to hold her down. He was also seen pushing another protester, Mason Melito, and covering his mouth.

Kolb had previously apologized for his actions and had been on leave from his job pending an investigation.

The CFDA described Kolb as a “dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion.” In a statement on social media, the association said, “We respect Steven’s decision to step down and are grateful for his many years of leadership and service to the CFDA and our industry.”

Moira Colley, PETA's senior director of media relations in New York, stated that the group had initially planned to file a police report against Kolb but decided against it after consulting with legal counsel. PETA has expressed its continued desire to meet with Kolb and others in the industry to discuss ending the use of animal products in clothing.

The organization acknowledged Kolb's past contributions, including his role in advocating for the ban of fur from CFDA runway show schedules.