Anthony Burns

GCU Honorary Graduate Dr Anthony Burns signing a book in graduation hood and hat

Dr Anthony Burns
Award of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration

As Chief Operating Officer of ACS Clothing, GCU alumnus Anthony Burns is helping transform the fashion industry.

Committed to “fashion without the footprint”, Glasgow-based ACS Clothing has established itself as a sustainability champion. It places renting, repairing and reusing at the centre of its business model to cut waste and energy consumption in the world’s second most polluting industry.

ACS initially focused on hiring Highland dress to clients but now works in partnership with brands and retailers across the industry to rent and resell a range of garments – making it a leader in the circular business model sector.

Anthony joined ACS in 2006 and has been instrumental in its mission to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2023. Under his leadership, ACS has won a series of VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards in recognition of its contribution to Scotland’s sustainable development.

Anthony has shared his expertise in transforming the industry with GCU students in our Captains of Industry series of lectures, and ACS Clothing is working with the University’s Institute for University to Business Education (IU2B) to support Graduate Apprenticeships. In addition, ACS backs the University’s Employ Autism Internship scheme.