Having joined Barbour in 1989 covering the Middle East, Canada & Greece, he moved to Thailand in 1991 to set up Barbour’s initial operations and proceeded to establish Barbour Threads in Asia, predominately in the sports footwear industry.

In 1999 following Coats Viyella acquisition of Hicking Pentecost, the then owners of the Barbour Campbell Group, Mr Wainwright continued with Coats, expanding its thread sales in Asia.

Well known in the footwear, automotive, bags, luggage and outdoor goods industries, he will retire to Thailand, where he has lived for fifteen years and where he plans to continue his involvement with the industry as a consultant.