On 30th June 2026, The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) Director General, Phil Lewis, will be stepping down after almost eight years in the role. The ACG Board of Directors would like to thank Phil for all he has done leading ACG during this time. Phil has been a stalwart in the intellectual property and anti-counterfeiting space for 26 years and his expertise and professionalism have ensured that our members have been represented at the most senior levels of government in the UK and around the world.
Under Phil’s leadership, ACG has re-built its national and international reputation achieving high-level government and business leadership buy-in, based on specific evidence-based metrics, and credible operational responses from the day-to-day fight against fakes. Phil has constantly focused on the growing threats from counterfeiting to consumers, economies and security, through its connections with global fraud and transnational organised crime. Throughout his term at ACG Phil focused on changing the global enforcement scene from silos to collaborative strategy, which has ensured that ACG members issues relating to counterfeiting have been heard at the highest levels within national and international government institutions.
Paul Dicken, Chair of the ACG Board and Vice President, Brand Protection and Corporate Security at Liverpool Football Club said, “I would like to sincerely thank Phil for his dedicated years of service to ACG and our members. I will personally miss working with Phil, picking his brain on a range of issues, and just because he is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I am sure, post June, the ACG team and board will still be picking up the phone and seeking advice.”
Once the Board were aware of Phil’s intentions, it was not a particularly challenging conversation about who we felt should succeed him. Chloe Long has been a significant contributor to ACG for many years, both as a Board member, a Special Advisor to the Board, and as Deputy Director General for the past seven months. In her role as Deputy Director General, she has been instrumental in driving projects that are supporting our members, as well as supporting Phil on policy issues. Chloe is an outstanding operator and there is no doubt that the ACG will be in excellent hands with her leading the organisation into the future from 1st July 2026.
Chloe Long, Deputy Director General, ACG said, “I’m extremely honoured to take on the role of Director General and grateful to the Board for their trust and support. Working closely with Phil over many years has been a privilege. I deeply respect his ability to connect with people, influence with integrity, and earn respect through his exceptional knowledge and passion. I’m excited to build on the strong foundations he’s laid, and to work with our brilliant team and members to drive innovation, extend our influence, and deliver even greater impact over the years ahead.”
Phil Lewis added, “After almost eight years as Director General of ACG, I have taken the decision to step back and hand over the reins. It has a been a wonderful opportunity and honour representing the ACG community and I want to thank everyone involved for their incredible support and particularly the various Boards of Directors who have trusted me throughout. The Group has been a part of my life for over 25 years and the privilege I have had in getting to know and work closely with brilliant people within its close and extended community has been immeasurable.
“Leading the ACG has been an honour I never expected and I am incredibly proud of what the many ACG team members have achieved over the past eight years and of the progress we have made. It is my heartfelt hope that this will set solid foundations for the years ahead.”
Dids Macdonald OBE., Co-Founder of Anti Copying in Design (ACID) and Chair said, “I first knew Phil when he was with the Intellectual Property Office and, in the early days, when design was little talked about within the context of intellectual property, he and his team could not have been more supportive. Fast forward three decades and over the last eight years I have nothing but respect and praise for what he has achieved. I count him as one of the nicest people in the IP world. All good wishes in your next chapter, Phil and thank you”. She continued, “We look forward to having an excellent relationship with ACG’s new DG, Chloe Long and wish her every possible success”.
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