LONDON – Peter Ackroyd, MBE, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Campaign for Wool, succeeding Sir Nicholas Coleridge, CBE, effective immediately. Sir Nicholas steps down after an impressive 14-year tenure and will now dedicate his time to his new roles as the 43rd Provost of Eton College and Chair of Historic Royal Palaces.
Ackroyd brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Formerly the COO of the Campaign for Wool, he has been an integral part of the organisation since 2009, following a distinguished 50-year career in the textile industry. His achievements include serving as president of the International Wool Textile Organisation and as global strategic advisor for Australian Wool Innovation/Woolmark Company.
Ackroyd has been a driving force in advancing the wool industry since the 1970s, focusing on business development, spearheading key wool research and innovation projects, and promoting yarns and fabrics on a global scale. He is highly regarded for his deep expertise in the yarn, woollen, and worsted fabric sectors.
Sir Nicholas remarked: “When I became chairman, I initially thought it would be for three or four years, yet here I am 14 years later! It has been a tremendously fulfilling journey, but the time has come to pass the baton. Peter is the ideal successor, having worked closely with me over the years. His unparalleled knowledge of the international wool sector ensures that the organisation is in excellent hands.”
His Majesty King Charles III will continue as the organisation’s Patron. A committed environmentalist, the King remains a strong advocate for wool’s natural, sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable qualities.
Ackroyd’s expertise will be pivotal in addressing the complex challenges facing the wool industry. He will work closely with the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) to confront challenges arising from the European Union’s Environmental Footprint (PEF) legislation. There are concerns in natural fibres sectors that this methodology, forming part of the EU’s forthcoming Digital Product Passports initiative set for 2026, risks undermining wool’s green credentials. It fails to fully account for critical environmental factors such as microplastic pollution, the renewability and biodegradability of natural fibres, and the environmental costs of synthetic, fossil fuel-based fibres.
Ackroyd commented: “Now more than ever, wool-producing nations must unite and raise awareness about the environmental harm caused by synthetic fibres. As global waste levels reach unmanageable proportions, the unchecked proliferation of synthetic materials, coupled with misinformation and the rise of greenwashing by fast-fashion brands, is deeply concerning.”
This announcement comes on the heels of one of the Campaign’s most successful years. During Wool Month in October, the Campaign hosted over 20 events and activities, attracting more than 3,000 participants from diverse sectors, including farmers, manufacturers, designers, brands, and retailers.
Additionally, the Campaign has embarked on a three-year collaboration with Aardman Animations to promote the benefits of British and New Zealand wool in flooring. This partnership, featuring Shaun the Sheep, highlights wool’s sustainability and eco-friendly attributes under the tagline ‘Shaun Loves Wool.’