Alison Ward is CEO of CottonConnect, an award-winning social enterprise that is powering resilient and traceable supply chains in the global textile industry. With over 30 years’ international experience in sustainability and corporate affairs, she works with leading brands to source raw materials more fairly and sustainably while strengthening supply chain resilience.
Alison leads CottonConnect’s global programmes, supporting over 800,000 farmers across India, China, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, and Bangladesh. Under her leadership, the organisation has expanded its focus on delivering commercially viable sustainability solutions — combining on-the-ground expertise with digital traceability through its TraceBale platform, and embedding human rights due diligence and health and safety standards across supply chains.
Alison was named Sustainability Leader of the Year (Edie Awards 2025) and ranked Top 10 in the E2E Female 100 Track 2025. Under her leadership, CottonConnect received the Just Style Excellence Award, Great Place to Work certification, and SME of the Year at the Reuters and Edie Awards.
She has also championed regenerative agricultural practices and gender-focused programmes that improve livelihoods and build climate resilience, helping brands meet their ESG goals while creating long-term value across their supply chains.
