BCI Council names Alan McClay as new CEO

By

Monica Karski

Published
Sep 2, 2015

Better Cotton Initiative on Wednesday announced that its Council has appointed Alan McClay to serve as the new CEO of BCI, with effect from September 28th. Alan replaces Patrick Laine who is retiring, but will continue to manage specific BCI projects during a transition period.

“We are absolutely delighted with this appointment,” commented Susi Proudman, Chair of the BCI Council (and Vice President of Global Apparel Materials at Nike, Inc.). “Alan’s prior experience, including 25 years in senior leadership roles influencing sectoral behavior in the consumer goods industry, well-qualifies him for the challenges facing BCI."

McClay himself said, “BCI has a solid strategy in place, and a clear vision of where it wants to be in 2020...BCI’s program of improved farming practices will not only contribute to the improved well-being of millions of farmers and a better environment, but also promote increased use of cotton by global brands, helping to ensure the long term viability of the sector.”

BCI's headquarters are in Switzerland but has regional offices in China, India, Mozambique, Pakistan and the U.K. Among its long list of retailers and brand members can be found H&M, Adidas, Inditex, Nike, John Lewis, Tommy Hilfiger, IKEA and Tesco.