Coats plc, the world’s leading industrial thread and consumer textile crafts business, has appointed David Gosnell as Non-Executive Director, with effect from 19 February 2015.  David will also chair Coats’ Remuneration Committee.

David has over 30 years’ experience in supply and procurement strategy and execution.  In December 2014, he retired from Diageo plc where he had most recently held the role of President of Global Supply and Procurement.  He led a team of 9,000 people around the world across manufacturing, logistics and technical operations as well as managing Diageo’s global procurement budget.  Prior to spending a total of 16 years at Diageo in a variety of roles he was at HJ Heinz for 25 years.

Mike Clasper, Chairman, Coats plc, said: ‘David is an excellent addition to the Coats Board.  He brings extensive supply and procurement knowledge acquired during his time with world class global manufacturing companies.  This will bring invaluable additional industry expertise and perspective to our board.’

David Gosnell added: ‘I am extremely pleased to be joining the board of Coats plc.  It has a strong manufacturing heritage and I am looking forward to helping contribute to its continued growth.’

David is also currently Non-Executive Director of Brambles Ltd, the supply chain solutions provider.

Additional background

David began his career at HJ Heinz in 1973 where he held a series of operational roles before becoming UK Procurement Director in 1992 and then European Operations Director in 1995.  He joined Diageo plc in 1998 as Director of European Supply Chain.  In 2008 he became President, Global Supply and Procurement, a role he held until his retirement in December 2014.  He also chaired the Diageo Environmental Committee.

David holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Middlesex University and has completed Supply Chain Manufacturing – Drive Operational Excellence at INSEAD (Singapore).

ENDS