Better Cotton appoints Nick Weatherhill as new CEO amid industry expansion
Better Cotton has announced a significant leadership transition with Nick Weatherhill appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Alan McClay, who officially departed in December 2024 after a notable ten-year tenure. During his leadership, McClay was instrumental in advancing sustainability standards within the global cotton industry, fostering a framework that aims to improve the economic resilience of millions of farmers and workers.
Transitioning into his new role, Weatherhill brings an extensive background, having held positions with the International Cocoa Initiative and the European Commission. His varied experience in international organisations has equipped him with unique insights into the complexities of sustainable development. In a statement, Weatherhill underscored the crucial role of Better Cotton in setting benchmarks for sustainability in the cotton sector, expressing his eagerness to enhance the organisation’s impact on cotton quality and livelihoods.
Weatherhill's appointment comes at a pivotal time as Better Cotton is poised to expand its influence on sustainable practices across the industry. McClay will remain actively involved until June 2025, ensuring a seamless transition for Weatherhill and continuity for the organisation's initiatives. He has highlighted the importance of this ongoing support in maintaining the momentum of the significant work done over the past decade.
The Better Cotton initiative encompasses over 200 committed individuals globally, operating in offices across 12 countries, including key cotton-producing nations like China, India, and Pakistan. This team collaborates with a diverse network of members, partners, and stakeholders, working directly alongside millions of cotton farmers and farming communities. The collaborative approach is meant to support sustainable farming while protecting the environment and improving socio-economic conditions.
Recently, the organisation has also made headway in strengthening its governance framework by appointing new co-chairs to its Council. Bill Ballenden from Louis Dreyfus Company and Tamar Hoek from Solidaridad now lead the strategic direction of the Council, which plays a crucial role in guiding Better Cotton toward its mission. The fresh appointments, which include representatives from major brands like Marks & Spencer and J.Crew, aim to enhance Better Cotton’s objectives, ensuring that sustainability initiatives are both practical and impactful.
Furthermore, the Better Cotton Conference held in 2023 addressed key themes such as climate action and sustainable livelihoods. Discussions highlighted the transition towards regenerative agriculture, a method gaining traction for its ability to conserve nature while enhancing soil health and promoting biodiversity. Keynote speaker Felipe Villela from reNature shed light on how these practices could benefit not only the environment but also the agricultural community and society at large. These forums bring to the forefront the pressing need for innovative sustainable practices, reinforcing Better Cotton’s commitment to leading these initiatives.
As Weatherhill begins his tenure, the expectations are high for the organisation to build on years of hard-earned gains in the pursuit of a sustainable cotton industry. Stakeholders across the sector will be keen to see how his vision and leadership will shape Better Cotton's future as it navigates challenges and opportunities in sustainability.