Nick Weatherill appointed CEO of Better Cotton, succeeds Alan McClay in Switzerland

Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, has appointed Nick Weatherill the new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Alan McClay who has led the organisation since 2015. Based in Geneva, Weatherill brings extensive experience in sustainability and human rights across global supply chains, most notably from his tenure as Executive Director of the International Cocoa Initiative.

Weatherill previously collaborated with the International Trade Centre, contributing to initiatives that promote inclusive trade in developing countries. An alumnus of the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics, he assumes leadership at a crucial juncture as Better Cotton expands its influence on sustainable cotton production and farmer welfare.

McClay, who announced his decision to step down in December 2024, expressed support for the transition, highlighting Weatherill’s strong background in sustainability and his understanding of global supply chain dynamics as key assets for the organisation’s next phase.

The leadership change comes as Better Cotton advances its traceability and certification systems to increase transparency. Co-chairs Bill Ballenden and Tamar Hoek said Weatherill’s collaborative approach will support the organisation’s evolution. The transition will take place throughout June, with both leaders attending Better Cotton’s upcoming conference in İzmir, Turkiye, on 18–19 June.