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AWI appoints John Roberts to CEO position

Sheep Central, March 17, 2022

New AWI CEO John Roberts.

AUSTRALIAN Wool Innovation has appointed one of its own as its new chief executive officer.

AWI chairman Jock Laurie today announced the appointment of John Roberts as chief executive officer.

Mr Roberts’ appointment comes five months after he started acting the in the role, when former CEO Stuart McCullough took up a new international role as chief marketing and innovation officer for AWI.

Mr Robert’s appointment follows a selection process conducted by international executive recruitment firm Heidrick and Struggles, AWI said.

Mr Laurie says Mr Roberts is a wool industry leader with extensive experience in Australia and three years working in China.

“John has in depth knowledge of the key players throughout the industry from the farm gate to the fashion catwalk.

“He has a big job to do in addressing many issues on behalf of Australia’s wool growers including tackling the shortage of shearers plus keeping Australian wool as the world’s premium natural fibre,” Mr Laurie said.

Mr Roberts comes from a wool-producing family at Binalong in southern New South Wales. He has worked in a wide range of roles at AWI, including managing international offices and chief operating officer. He has also worked in private agribusiness companies, including as a wool buyer, trader and processor.

Mr Roberts said he was pleased to be named as AWI’s CEO.

“It is an enormous privilege and brings with it great responsibility to deliver programs here in Australia and around the world that help make Australian wool growing more profitable and sustainable.”

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