AWEX CEO Mark Grave – retiring in June next year.

KEY wool industry services organisation the Australian Wool Exchange has announced the upcoming retirement of its chief executive officer Mark Grave effective June 2025.

An AWEX statement said after over two decades at the helm, Mr Grave has played an instrumental role in bolstering the reputation of Australian wool globally, driving significant advancements in industry transparency, digital innovation, and sustainability.

Throughout his tenure, Mark spearheaded transformative projects, including the introduction of the National Wool Declaration, the modernisation of AWEX’s IT platforms, and the implementation of the Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme (AWSS),” AWEX said.

He has also championed initiatives such as WoolClip and eBale, that have set new benchmarks in enabling digital traceability in the wool supply chain.

AWEX chair Andreas Clark said Mark’s leadership has been pivotal in positioning Australian wool as a trusted, sustainable product.

“We thank him for his dedication and vision, which have left an indelible mark on the industry.”

AWEX said it is starting an executive search to recruit “a dynamic new CEO”. This individual will lead AWEX into its next chapter, driving innovation and ensuring Australian wool continues to thrive in an evolving global market, the organization said.

The Rimfire Resources agency specifications for the AWEX position said AWEX’s strategic vision is to ‘deliver services that strengthen, inform and increase confidence in the quality and integrity of Australian wool.’

The agency said AWEX is recognised globally for the provision of accurate independent market information services, developing industry-based standards and quality assurance programs, and maintaining the necessary rules framework which underpins the successful commercial trading of greasy wool in Australia.

The agency stipulated that the new AWEX CEO will have full accountability for the direction, planning and management of the strategic direction and operations of AWEX, including overall responsibility for staff, assets and resources.

In addition, the position will provide high level advice and support to the board, to facilitate informed decision making and ensure that a consistent and measured approach is maintained in the development of strategic directions and goals for AWEX, its members and stakeholders.

The agency is looking for a person with a proven track record of success at CEO or senior executive level within the agriculture sector, ideally with exposure to the domestic and international wool industry pipeline.