Cotton Incorporated, the research and promotion company for U.S. cotton growers and importers, reported that William Kimbrell was promoted to president and CEO in the 2024 fourth quarter.
“We are thrilled to welcome William as the new CEO and President of Cotton Incorporated,” said Marvin Beyer, chairman, Cotton Incorporated. “William’s technical expertise, along with his extensive global supply chain marketing background, provides a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the cotton industry today. Under his guidance, Cotton Incorporated is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and promoting the many benefits of cotton, making it the fiber of choice in the global textile industry.”
A 22-year veteran of Cotton Incorporated, Kimbrell graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Textile Management and achieved his MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management. He applied this background in various positions with Cotton Incorporated, including fiber processing research and roles in the company’s Global Supply Chain Marketing division, which ranged from technology management to marketing initiatives with a recent concentration in Asia.
Immediately before his role as president and CEO, Kimbrell held the roles of executive vice president and chief operating officer. His vast international business experience has enabled him to promote cotton to a wide range of stakeholders from leading mills, manufacturers, brands, and retailers in over 24 countries worldwide.
“I’m honored to lead Cotton Incorporated and help keep cotton competitive and at the forefront of the global textile industry,” noted Kimbrell. “As we confront market challenges, I’m confident that our commitment to sustainability, our innovative research and our talented team of experts will champion cotton as the fiber of choice for today’s consumers and future generations.”
Kimbrell’s appointment marks a significant step in Cotton Incorporated’s ongoing commitment to supporting U.S. cotton producers, importers, and the supply chain.
Cotton Incorporated is the research and promotion company for Upland cotton. Funded by U.S. cotton growers and importers of Upland cotton-containing products, the not-for-profit organization’s mission is to increase cotton’s demand for and profitability. As a resource for the cotton industry, Cotton Incorporated conducts or oversees over 450 research and educational projects in an average year. Research areas range from developing agricultural and textile innovations to analyzing commodity and market data.
Images courtesy Cotton Incorporated
