Peter Ackroyd was a former president of the Iinternational Wool Textile Organisation.

AUSTRALIAN and global wool industry leaders have paid tribute to Campaign for Wool chairman Peter Ackroyd who has died aged 76.

The Campaign for Wool announced Mr Ackroyd’s death overnight, with former chairman of the global initiative Sir Nicholas Coleridge describing him a lifelong wool man of the highest calibre, who knew every mill, every player and wool champion in the United Kingdom and beyond.

“He was a great man, a gentleman and a friend to so many of us.

“He will be profoundly missed by the entire wool community,” Sir Nicholas said.

A Campaign for Wool statement said Mr Ackroyd was appointed chairman of the initiative in January 2025, succeeding Sir Nicholas and having previously served as chief operating officer since joining the organisation in 2009. His appointment recognised more than five decades of distinguished service to the international wool and textile industry, as well as his unswerving devotion to championing wool as one of the world’s most remarkable natural fibres, the statement said. Mr Ackroyd was also a past president of the International Wool Textile Organisation, served as an advisor to the IWTO executive committee and was chair of the IWTO Retail Forum.

Peter Ackroyd. Image – Campaign for Wool.

Ackroyd worked tirelessly for Australian growers – AWI

Australian Wool Innovation also paid tribute to Mr Ackroyd MBE after his passing aged 76. Mr Ackroyd was AWI’s global advisor based in Bradford and had a distinguished career promoting wool, AWI said.

AWI’s head of domestic operations Scott Carmody said over many decades, Mr Ackroyd worked tirelessly on behalf of Australian wool growers across the entire international wool supply chain.

“Through that work, he forged enduring friendships and professional relationships throughout Australia and around the world.

“In the latter part of his career, Peter dedicated much of his time to championing wool’s environmental credentials, combating the rise of synthetic fibres, navigating evolving environmental legislation, and supporting the global agricultural and retail wool industries,” he said.

“Peter was not only a highly valued member of The Woolmark Company family, but also an influential figure within the International Wool Textile Organisation.

“His commitment to the industry saw him elected president of the IWTO, reflecting the immense respect he commanded among his peers,” Mr Carmody said.

“Most recently, Peter served as global chair of the Campaign for Wool.

“Above all, Peter was an absolute gentleman—generous with his knowledge, unwavering in his support of the wool industry, and deeply respected by all who had the privilege of working with him,” he said.

“His contribution to our industry has been immense, and his absence will be keenly felt.”

AWI’s regional manager for western Europe, Damien Pommeret, worked closely with Mr Ackroyd and said he became a mentor to many “by guiding, advising and sharing his knowledge with remarkable intelligence, humility and generosity, always accompanied by his unmistakable sense of humour.”

“Every conversation with him offered a new story, a fresh perspective or a deeper understanding of our industry and the people who shaped it.

“There are people you meet throughout your professional life who stay with you forever, and Peter was undoubtedly one of them,” Mr Pommeret said.

A highly respected ambassador for wool – WIA

Wool Industries Australia chairman David Michell said the industry has lost a truly enthusiastic and highly respected ambassador for everything wool.

“Peter’s contribution will be missed by far more people than we can imagine.

“His network was extensive, his knowledge was always reliable, and his anecdotes, while often entertaining, had a wonderful way of putting complex issues into perspective,” he said.

“He was also a great person to share a glass of wine with while discussing where the industry was headed.

“Those conversations, and Peter himself, will be greatly missed,” Mr Michell said.

Leading UK Merino wool producer Lesley Prior said in a LinkedIn post that she and many others, “owe this wonderful man so much.”

“He was always willing to listen, offer advice, make connections and offer encouragement. The saddest news.”

AWTA managing director Michael Jackson said he had known Peter for more than 20 years.

“He has always been extraordinarily generous with his time and knowledge and has introduced so many Australians to his incredible array of contacts, particularly through the wool textile industry that continues to this day in the UK.

“I don’t think anyone in the wool industry visits Yorkshire mills without experiencing Peter’s hospitality,” Mr Jackson said.

“Peter and I have served together for many years at IWTO and spent time together visiting wool industry companies in Europe, Asia and other places.

“Peter inevitably knew them well, spoke their language and was extremely well regarded,” he said.

“He was an engaging President of IWTO, an extremely polished speaker with years of experience and a sharp mind adding a lot to the organisation.

“He loved travelling, particularly to Australia and New Zealand where he had made many strong friendships,” Mr Jackson said.

“I will miss Peter’s company and insight and the world’s wool industry will be poorer without his dedicated and often voluntary contribution.”

On behalf of WoolProducers Australia, WPA chief executive officer Jo Hall extended sincere condolences to Peter’s many friends and colleagues.

“Peter’s passing will be felt across the global wool industry, reflecting a lifetime of dedication and passion for the fibre.

“Having come to know Peter during his tenure as President of the IWTO, I greatly admired his humour, wit and deep industry knowledge, all of which will be sorely missed,” she said.