As a champion of sustainable, ‘slow’ luxury and a supporter of NHS Charities Together (raising £35,000 through sales of the Rainbow Scarf), it is no surprise that Simon Cotton, the CEO of fine cashmere and woollens brand Johnstons of Elgin has been named a Hero on the Walpole Power List. Read on to discover more…

For the last seven years Simon Cotton has led cashmere and fine woollens specialist, Johnstons of Elgin, and helped them to deliver the potential of their 223-year history and incredible expertise. He has a burning passion for continuous improvement and innovation, coupled with a commitment to genuine and meaningful work on driving sustainability at every level. Whilst developing ever-closer relationships with the world’s top luxury brands, under his guidance Johnstons has also invested to enable the company’s own brand to carve out its own “slow luxury” niche as the most-loved brand for the very best Scottish cashmere and fine woollens.

What does it mean to you to be named a Walpole 2020 Power List winner?

It is a huge honour to follow our Creative Director, Alan Scott onto the Walpole Power List. It is a particular pleasure, as we work with so many Walpole members and have so much respect for the work that they do. I am delighted to be in such distinguished company.

Why do you think you were named on the List this year?

I think that last year, more than any other, our values of community, trust, innovation, and craftsmanship have particularly resonated. As challenging as 2020 has been, it has felt like the values of artisanal manufacturers like Johnstons, who make up such a large part of the Walpole membership, are more relevant than ever.

www.johnstonsofelgin.com