Johnstons of Elgin CEO, Simon Cotton, has been named one of the top 50 most influential people in British Luxury in The Walpole Power List which launched yesterday. The 2020 Power List, in association with Investec, celebrates the inspirational individuals – the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury – within Walpole’s member brands who, despite enormous challenges throughout 2020, have continued to steer the sector to success.

“After our Creative Director Alan Scott being included last year, I was humbled to follow in his footsteps and be included on this year's list,” Simon Cotton said. “I am honoured to be in such wonderful company, with so many amazing people including some of the friends I have made in this amazing industry,” he added.

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

in association with Investec, celebrates the inspirational individuals – the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury – within Walpole’s member brands who, despite enormous challenges throughout 2020, have continued to steer the sector to success.

The individuals named in the 2020 Power List, have been recognised across the following nine categories: Taste-Makers, Story Tellers, Rising Stars, The Heroes, Gurus, Game Changers, Legends, Custodians and Innovators.

Johnstons CEO, Simon Cotton was named in The Heroes category - Refocused for 2020, this category celebrates the individuals who reached out to their community, and supported frontline workers, the NHS, or the national effort during the early stages of the pandemic.

“For the last seven years Simon Cotton has led cashmere and fine woollens specialist Johnstons of Elgin, helping it to deliver the potential of its 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 Simon’s 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,” Walpole said.

The 2020 Walpole Power List