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/* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-parent:””;mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0cm;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:”Times New Roman”;mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;mso-ansi-language:#0400;mso-fareast-language:#0400;mso-bidi-language:#0400;} The results of the elections for our new board members, including ICA President, First Vice, Second Vice and Directors, were announced at the Association’s AGM on December 10th in Liverpool, UK.
Mr Cliff White – pictured – (SeniorVice President – Marketing, Olam/Queensland Cotton Group) takes on the role of President. Cliff will be supported by Mr Ray Butler (Managing Director, Cotlook Limited) as First-Vice and Mr Antonio Esteve (CEO, Ecom Cotton Group) as Second-Vice.
New to the Board are Mr Vinay Kotak (Kotak & Co), Mr Joe Nicosia (Allenberg Cotton Co) and MrJordan Lea (Eastern Trading Co), who have been elected to serve as Ordinary Directors. Mr Pat-Nie Woo Central Textiles Hong Kong Ltd) has been appointed to represent the common interests of the Far Eastern cotton industry, Mr Takashi Shimazaki (Toyoshima & CoLtd) will represent the common interests of the Japanese cotton industry and Mr Ertugrul Tanriverdi (Ensar TekstilSanayi ve Ticaret AS) will represent the common interests of the Turkish cotton Industry.
Now comprising of 22 members, representing 12 countries, the new ICA Board line-up is the most internationally represented that the Association has had in its 169-year history.
On accepting the role of President at his inaugural speech, Cliff explained: “The past two years have been difficult for our industry. However, they say that from adversity comes opportunity and that is where we find ourselves today. 2010 holds promise that the worst is behind us and some optimism is returning. For the first time in a number of years there is interest in planting cotton rather than considering what alternative crops to grow. This is encouraging and will hopefully allow the industry to stabilize and consolidate after the traumatic period it has been through.
“All this change has meant that companies and associations have had to review their operating structure and cost base. The ICA is no different. We are reviewing all aspects of our operation starting with our membership structure. We will also continue to develop in the international market place during 2010 as we strengthen ties in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia.
“It is an exciting time for me to become President – although I did not expect to betaking on the role so soon. Circumstances propelled me into the position a year earlier than expected due to our former First Vice-President, Ian Magrane, having to stand down, as a result of his company leaving the industry. Ian supported the ICA for many years – he was a great ambassador and respected member of the cotton community. I would like to pass on my sincere thanks and best wishes to him on behalf of the ICA. My thanks must also go to my predecessor, David Adcroft, for the leadership and commitment he has given over the past 12 months – especially during such challenging times. I do hope I will be able to continue that momentum.
“I am honoured to take on the role and I look forward to a year where we develop new relationships, strengthen established ones and make changes that will attract new organisations and members to the ICA.”
Based in Dallas,USA, Cliff has worked for 32 years in the raw cotton market in a career that has taken him to all corners of the globe – including extensive experience in Asia, Australia,Hong Kong, Tanzania,Turkey and the United States.
Cliff began his career in 1976 with Ralli Bros & Coney (now Cargill Cotton), based in Liverpool, UK. In 1991 he joined Queensland Cotton and was responsible for the buying and selling of the company’s Australian, US and Brazilian cotton. In May 2007 he moved to the United States as Senior Vice President – Marketing for the Olam / Queensland Cotton Group,where he is responsible for the continuing expansion of the companies US and Brazilian cotton business. Cliff is past Chairman of the Australian Cotton Shippers Association and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
