Better Cotton's previous CEO, Alan McClay, announced his departure in December 2024 after steering the organisation since 2015.
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Weatherill has offered consultancy services to organisations such as the International Trade Centre, an agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organisation that promotes sustainable and inclusive trade in developing countries.
Weatherill also previously served as executive director of the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), implementing impactful and scalable solutions within the cocoa supply chain.
“Better Cotton is the most important reference in sustainability in the cotton industry, a position that makes its work vital for the whole sector, today and in the years to come. I look forward to leading the organisation at a moment when it increases its impact on the quality of cotton and the livelihoods of millions of farmers and workers around the world, building on the fantastic work Alan has done over the past ten years,” Weatherill said.
To facilitate a seamless transition, McClay and Weatherill will collaborate throughout June, with both attending Better Cotton’s conference in İzmir, Türkiye on 18-19 June 2025.
McClay said: “Nick has an excellent record in sustainability and in-depth knowledge of the complexity and challenges of global supply chains. His appointment marks a renewed impetus that will ensure Better Cotton evolves to an even more impactful standard, benefitting the environment, farmers, workers, and local economies.”
The leadership transition occurs during a period of notable advancements for Better Cotton.
In 2023, the non-profit organisation introduced a traceability solution enabling physical Better Cotton to be traced back to its country of origin.
By early 2025, Better Cotton had also established itself as a certification scheme, enhancing transparency throughout the supply chain.
