1. Dr. Robert Jiang - International Cotton Association, ICA Bremen
Robert graduated with a BSc degree from the China Textile University and gained his PhD in 1988 in the Department of Textiles, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). During his time at UMIST, Robert joined with the British Technology Group (BTG) in London to develop a range of textile projects targeted to explore the latest spinning techniques.
He joined the then Liverpool Cotton Association in 1990 as laboratory manager and subsequently quality arbitration manager, dealing with the instrument testing and arbitration of most of the world’s cotton growths for cotton firms all around the world.
Robert now focus on matters relating to quality and instrument testing and international laboratory certification. He is also responsible for the greater China region for ICA matters and has been making regular visits to many key performers of the cotton trade in China, including cotton merchants and spinning mills. He travels extensively to different cotton growing and spinning countries and regions for the purpose of training and outreach on ICA Bylaws & Rules and various trade subjects.
2. Mr. Derek Tanner - DAT Arbitration & Consultancy
Derek was introduced to the cotton trade by his father, the owner of a Liverpool cotton controlling company servicing the Lancashire cotton industry, and his grandfathers were cotton professionals. In 1973 he first joined a local brokerage/trading company.
In 1976 joined the large trading group Louis Dreyfus & Company as a junior cotton trader. Derek became a Director of the Liverpool Cotton Association Ltd in the late 1980s and in 2001 was elected as President, and has chaired numerous domestic and international LCA and ICA committees during his career.
From 1986 to 1997 Derek worked as a director and trader for A. Hannay & Company managing various aspects of the company including contracting, quality take up, allocations , financial, LC and personal management during which time he travelled extensively and assisted in reversing trading direction from 70% UK to 80% overseas sales.
In 1998 he joined Central Cotton Company, a central Asian cotton trader and travelled extensively in Asia assisting in quality take up and training.
In 2004 Derek established his consultancy and arbitration company, 'D.A.T. Arbitration and Consultancy' working for a variety of international clients in different fields, assisting in the establishment of a successful cotton waste processing company in West Africa, preparing and assisting in ICA international workshops, and chairing and acting as ICA arbitrator.
Derek is a well-respected and recognized lecturer in the field of technical and quality related cotton matters, presenting to graduates and members of the trade on a variety of trade topics such as I.C.A. bylaws and rules, contracting, agency, quality, trade procedures, and arbitration and dispute resolution.