Steven Kolb has resigned as chief executive officer and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, after being put on a leave by the board of directors earlier this week.

“After 20 years leading the CFDA, I have made the difficult decision to step down as CEO and president. 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,” said Kolb in a statement issued Friday night.

On Monday, the CFDA board put Kolb on leave after he physically restrained two PETA protesters at the Cos fashion show Sunday afternoon at WSA at 175 Water Street, who were protesting using sheep’s wool on the runway. As PETA protesters stormed the runway, Kolb tried to restrain one of them, held her to the floor, locked his leg around her and covered her mouth and nose with his hands as she shouted, “Sheep bloodied and beaten for wool.” He also pushed another protester who was screaming about getting wool off the runway and covered his mouth, until he was escorted out.

Later that afternoon, Kolb said he reacted “inappropriately” and should have let the security team handle the situation. The incident was caught on video and spread widely on social media and throughout the industry. Cos is a division of H&M Group.

Kolb posted a lengthy apology on Instagram Stories on Monday, which said, in part, “My actions were wrong and I am deeply sorry. I take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize to them and everyone who witnessed the incident. There is no justification for physically restraining another person.”

Throughout the week, there was lots of debate as to whether Kolb would be able to return to his CFDA position.

In Friday’s statement, Kolb continued, “Over the past two decades, we strengthened the organization financially, expanded its programs and partnerships, increased our philanthropic and scholarship initiatives, supported generations of emerging designers, advanced sustainability and circularity, created opportunities for creatives from underrepresented communities, supported and elevated New York Fashion Week and broadened the CFDA’s international and global reach. What I am most proud of is the impact we have had on American designers – supporting creativity and helping businesses grow.

“None of this was the work of one person, I am deeply grateful to our CFDA members and to the designers, board members, staff, partners, and supporters with whom I had the privilege of working. I am especially grateful to the four chairs I served alongside — Stan Herman, Diane von Furstenberg, Tom Ford and Thom Bowne – for their leadership, partnership and friendship. Leaving after 20 years is deeply emotional, but I do so proud of what we accomplished together and confident in the CFDA’s future. It has been one of the great privileges of my life to serve this community,” said Kolb.

The board of directors of the CFDA issued a statement Friday night which read, “Steven Kolb has been a dedicated leader and tireless champion of American fashion throughout his more than two decades at the CFDA, including 15 years as CEO. 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. He leaves the organization well positioned, with a clear mission and dedicated team, to carry out the important work ahead as we look to the future of American fashion.”

No successor was immediately named.