As Australia’s largest global retailer, we want to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone we touch; whether that’s in our backyard or on the other side of the world. It’s as simple as that.
Our six values underpin who we are and the way we work. They form the basis of everything we do, guide us in our decision making and are the same values that our founder, Nigel has instilled since day one.
We have a responsibility to protect our people, our customers and the community. We have a zero tolerance approach to unethical behavior and pursue real solutions that make a positive difference.
This, paired with an entrepreneurial spirit like no other, led Cotton On Group founder Nigel Austin to the Beckley Market in Geelong armed with a pile of acid wash denim jackets (it was the late 80s after all). Customers loved the jackets, but Nigel left without making a sale. The next week he had an epiphany; he returned to the market, lowered the price, and the jackets sold out instantly. It was the start of something big.
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Johnson was appointed as General Manager in 2004 and CEO of the Cotton On Group in 2008.
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Johnson was appointed as General Manager in 2004 and CEO of the Cotton On Group in 2008. Peter began his career in the banking and IT sector before making the move to retail.
Having spent over nine years working for leading retailers including Sportsgirl, Jeans West and Country Road, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and retail acumen to the Group.
As CEO, Peter has been integral in the growth of the Cotton On Group, seeing the store footprint grow from 50 Australian Cotton On stores in 2004, to now over 1,500 stores globally and a suite of seven brands, operating in 19 countries, supported by a global workforce of more than 20,000 people.
Peter’s vision is to ensure the Cotton On Group continues to grow as a retail market leader, while staying true to its Australian heritage and the entrepreneurial spirit that has seen the company enjoy exponential expansion in recent years. Peter sees this growth as enabling personal and professional development opportunities for the global workforce and the ability to continue to make positive contributions in the communities in which the Group operates.
Peter is wholly committed to success of the Group’s philanthropic arm, the Cotton On Foundation which focuses on the development and support of projects within the communities we touch. The Cotton On Foundation is on a mission to create 20,000 quality educational places globally by 2020.
When he’s not in the office, Pete enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and is a mad Richmond supporter.
Chief Financial Officer
Michael joined the Cotton On Group in 2008 is a Director and the Chief Financial Officer.
Chief Financial Officer
Michael joined the Cotton On Group in 2008 is a Director and the Chief Financial Officer.
Michael has a broad remit which includes Finance & Treasury, Risk & Sustainability, People & Culture, Communications, Workplace & Wellness as well as the Cotton On Foundation and the Family Office functions. He has also previously overseen the development and expansion of all International Markets.
In addition to his role at the Cotton On Group, Michael is also a non-executive Director of City Chic Collective (ASX:CCX) where he is also Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. Michael is also a non-executive Director of the Grill’d Group of Companies which includes Australia’s largest privately owned chain of Burger Restaurants and also Koko Black, a premium branded Australian chocolatier. Michael is also a member of the Finance and Risk Committee of the Geelong Football Club.
Prior to joining the Cotton On Group, Michael spent 8 years as a Partner at the New York based private equity firm of Hudson Valley Capital Partners and prior to that commenced his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in both Melbourne and New York in the Transaction Advisory Practice.
Chief Retail Officer
Natalie’s passion for people and fashion-retail has driven a long, professional career in the retail industry.
Chief Retail Officer
Natalie’s passion for people and fashion-retail has driven a long, professional career in the retail industry. She spends the majority of her time around the world visiting our teams in store, listening, observing and leadership coaching.
Natalie is one of the founding team members of the Cotton On Group. She spent ten years with the business as General Manager before taking up the roles as Product Manager for Giordano International and Head of Retail at Rip Curl, which saw her work across markets globally including living in the US.
Natalie returned to the Group in 2013 as General Manager for Cotton On KIDS, where she worked closely with her team to create ranges and products that built the global growth of the brand.
In August 2017, Natalie was appointed as Chief Retail Officer (CRO) further cementing her commitment and longstanding career with the Cotton On Group.
Within this position, Natalie leads the Group’s Retail Operations function to drive a single minded customer proposition across our stores in all countries we operate delivering exceptional retail experiences our customers will love.
Natalie loves the outdoors and is passionate about horse racing. She is a board member of the Geelong Racing Club.
As we’ve expanded our global presence, we’ve become a part of communities globally.
From our first store to our thousandth, we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure.