Cotton Incorporated Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cotton Incorporated has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, technology, finance, and operational management.

Dedicated to advancing fiber research and consumer demand, Cotton Incorporated maintains a commitment to ensuring cotton remains the premier choice for global apparel and home textile markets.

Leadership Roles at Cotton Incorporated

  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Zeen Chen
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - David Byrd
  • President - Ellis Phillips
  • President - Bettie Cotton
  • President - Peng Law
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Bev Sylvester
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Technology Officer - John Chiavacci
  • Zeen Chen - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Zeen Chen, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Cotton Incorporated, directs the overarching strategic vision for agricultural and textile research initiatives. By aligning fiber innovation with evolving consumer preferences, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization maintains a competitive edge in global markets. Zeen Chen oversees the integration of market intelligence into long-term business planning, fostering partnerships across the supply chain to drive sustainable growth. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of industry trends to optimize the impact of research and technical services. Through rigorous oversight of corporate objectives, the Chief Executive Officer secures the organization's position as a leader in fiber promotion. By championing advancements in textile technology, the executive drives the mission to keep cotton as the primary material choice for consumers worldwide, ultimately strengthening the economic viability of the entire industry.

    David Byrd - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    David Byrd, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Cotton Incorporated, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for all research and promotional activities. By overseeing financial planning and budgetary controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the necessary capital to fund critical agricultural and textile studies. David Byrd directs the financial reporting processes, providing transparency to the Board and stakeholders regarding the return on investment for various market initiatives. This role involves assessing the economic impact of retail promotions and fashion forecasts to optimize resource distribution. By maintaining rigorous financial discipline, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term sustainability of the company's mission. Through strategic fiscal management, the executive enables the organization to pursue innovation in fiber technology, ensuring that cotton remains a preferred material in the competitive global marketplace.

    Ellis Phillips - President

    Ellis Phillips, the President at Cotton Incorporated, oversees the operational execution of agricultural research programs and technical service delivery. By coordinating the efforts of specialized research teams, the President ensures that the organization provides actionable insights to the textile industry. Ellis Phillips directs the implementation of quality standards for fiber testing, maintaining the integrity of the research output. This leadership role involves managing the day-to-day operations of the research facilities, ensuring that all projects align with the core mission of promoting cotton. By fostering a culture of scientific excellence, the President drives the development of new textile applications that meet modern consumer needs. Through the management of cross-functional teams, the executive ensures that technical services remain responsive to the evolving demands of the global supply chain, ultimately securing the market position of cotton as a superior material choice.

    Bettie Cotton - President

    Bettie Cotton, the President at Cotton Incorporated, leads the strategic expansion of retail partnerships and consumer-facing promotional initiatives. By focusing on the home products segment, the President ensures that cotton maintains a strong presence in the interior design and textile markets. Bettie Cotton directs the development of retail training programs and merchandising strategies that highlight the benefits of cotton to consumers. This role involves identifying new market segments and tailoring promotional efforts to capture emerging trends in home fashion. By managing relationships with key retail stakeholders, the President facilitates the integration of research-backed product information into the consumer experience. Through the execution of targeted market outreach, the executive drives demand for cotton-based goods, ensuring that the organization's promotional efforts translate into measurable growth and sustained consumer preference for the fiber in diverse home applications.

    Peng Law - President

    Peng Law, the President at Cotton Incorporated, manages the international operations and global supply chain initiatives for the organization. By overseeing the expansion of research and promotional services into emerging markets, the President ensures that cotton remains a globally recognized and preferred fiber. Peng Law directs the coordination of international trade relations, facilitating the exchange of technical knowledge and market intelligence across borders. This leadership role involves adapting promotional strategies to suit regional consumer preferences while maintaining a consistent brand message. By analyzing global market dynamics, the President identifies opportunities for growth and addresses challenges within the international textile industry. Through the management of cross-border collaborations, the executive strengthens the global footprint of the company, ensuring that the mission to promote cotton reaches a diverse and expanding audience of consumers and manufacturers worldwide.

    Bev Sylvester - Chief Marketing Officer

    Bev Sylvester, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cotton Incorporated, architects comprehensive advertising and public relations campaigns to elevate the profile of cotton in the retail sector. By managing fashion forecasts and retail promotions, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that consumer demand remains robust across North American and international markets. Bev Sylvester directs the creative strategy for brand messaging, connecting agricultural research outcomes with tangible consumer benefits in apparel and home products. This role requires close collaboration with retail partners to implement effective promotional programs that highlight the versatility of the fiber. By analyzing market data, the Chief Marketing Officer identifies emerging opportunities for brand expansion and consumer engagement. Through the execution of high-impact marketing initiatives, the executive reinforces the status of cotton as a premium, sustainable choice, directly influencing purchasing decisions and supporting the broader organizational goal of market dominance.

    John Chiavacci - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Technology Officer

    John Chiavacci, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Technology Officer at Cotton Incorporated, manages the digital infrastructure and technical systems supporting fiber research and market data analysis. By implementing scalable technology solutions, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the organization processes complex agricultural and textile information with maximum efficiency. John Chiavacci oversees the security and reliability of internal networks, facilitating seamless communication between research departments and global stakeholders. This leadership role involves the modernization of data platforms to support advanced fashion forecasting and retail analytics. By driving digital transformation, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Technology Officer enables the company to leverage real-time insights for strategic decision-making. Through the optimization of technical resources, the executive supports the mission of maintaining cotton as a top-tier consumer product, ensuring that all digital assets align with the long-term operational goals of the enterprise.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cotton Incorporated Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cotton Incorporated?
    Cotton Incorporated is led by Zeen Chen (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as David Byrd (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Ellis Phillips (President).
    Who is part of Cotton Incorporated’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cotton Incorporated includes leaders such as Zeen Chen (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), David Byrd (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Ellis Phillips (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cotton Incorporated have?
    Cotton Incorporated has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cotton Incorporated’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cotton Incorporated includes roles such as Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President.