Pinar Aras - From the Shop Floor to Global Impact: A Health & Safety Leadership Journey
Pinar shares her journey from the shop floor to global leadership, shaped by curiosity, learning, and a strong commitment to people. This story shows how hands‑on experience and a passion for Health & Safety can grow into making a meaningful, lasting impact across teams and countries.
You’ve been with Coats for over two decades, what has motivated you to stay and grow your career here?
Coats is a truly unique company with operations across many countries and cultures, yet it maintains an incredibly strong and inclusive culture. Collaboration feels natural. What makes Coats even more special is the openness to knowledge—information is accessible, and for those eager to learn, it offers an endless journey of growth. This environment has been a constant source of motivation for me to stay, accept new responsibilities, and continue developing my career.
Can you share a bit about your journey from when you first joined Coats to becoming the Group Health and Safety Director?
Nearly half of my career at Coats was spent in production and quality. My journey into Health & Safety actually began with the implementation of a pilot project. Those experiences shaped my passion and opened doors to leadership roles, ultimately leading me to my current position as Group Health and Safety Director.
When did you realize that you are passionate about Health and Safety?
I realized my passion for Health & Safety when I understood that it goes far beyond technical expertise or building systems. It’s a field that also embraces organizational culture and human psychology, making it truly multidisciplinary. What inspires me most is that it touches every aspect of people’s lives—we have the privilege of influencing how individuals live and planting seeds of knowledge they can carry home. That impact is incredibly valuable and meaningful to me.
How has the approach to health and safety evolved during your time at Coats?
The transformation has been significant. We’ve moved from compliance-driven processes to a proactive approach. Today, health and safety is embedded in our business strategy, supported by technology, data analytics, and leadership engagement. It’s about prevention, not reaction.
What achievement or milestone makes you most proud?
I’m most proud of is building a global health and safety framework where knowledge is not pushed but pulled—creating a culture where people actively seek and embrace safety practices. Seeing measurable improvements and knowing these efforts protect thousands of colleagues worldwide is incredibly rewarding.
What continues to inspire you in your role today?
The impact we make on people’s lives inspires me every day. Health and safety is about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and protected. Leading initiatives that make a real difference, alongside passionate teams, keeps me motivated and excited for the future.
