Burak Çakmak

CEO

Chief executive of the Fashion Commission at the Saudi Ministry of Culture, where he has led the development of the Kingdom's fashion sector since 2021. During his tenure the commission has advanced a strategy spanning talent development, education, sustainability, entrepreneurship, manufacturing and industry growth, supporting a globally connected fashion ecosystem rooted in Saudi cultural and creative strengths. Under his leadership the commission launched Riyadh Fashion Week, the Kingdom's first official fashion week, creating a national platform to showcase Saudi creativity and connect local talent with international markets. He has also overseen the growth of Fashion Futures, the commission's flagship thought leadership platform, and the introduction of the State of Fashion in Saudi Arabia reports, which provide data and analysis on the sector. Before joining the commission he built a global career across fashion, sustainability and education, beginning at Gap Inc and holding leadership positions at Kering and Swarovski, where he advanced sustainability and responsible business practice across fashion and luxury. He later served as dean of fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York, championing innovation, sustainability and industry leadership as pillars of fashion education. He has more than two decades of leadership experience at the intersection of culture, creativity and economic development.