Peter Ackroyd, Campaign for Wool chairman has died. He was 76.
He was appointed Campaign for Wool chairman in January 2025, succeeding Sir Nicholas Coleridge, having previously served as coo 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.
‘Peter was a lifelong “Wool Man” of the highest calibre, who knew every mill, every player and wool champion in the UK 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,’ says Sir Nicholas.
Throughout his career, Ackroyd earned enormous respect across the global textile community. He served as president of the International Wool Textile Organisation, was global strategic advisor to Australian Wool Innovation and Woolmark, and was formerly the vice president of the Strategy Committee for Premiere Vision and former president of the Bradford Textile Society.
He devoted much of his professional life to promoting wool through innovation, education, international collaboration, and responsible manufacturing. In 2006, he was awarded an MBE for services to the textile industry.
As chairman, he served the CfW under the patronage King Charles and provided steadfast leadership at a key time for the international wool sector. He was passionate about championing wool’s environmental, technical and economic importance, helping to strengthen relationships across farming, manufacturing, fashion, interiors, retail and government while ensuring the CfW remained focused on its founding purpose: promoting wool as a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre for future generations.
‘Those who worked alongside Peter will remember not only his remarkable knowledge of the global wool industry, but his humour and ability to lighten any room with one of his speeches and fluency in many languages, along with his generosity, kindness and steady determination. He had an outstanding ability to bring together people from across the international supply chain, earning the admiration of colleagues, growers, manufacturers, designers and retailers alike. His counsel, integrity and lifelong devotion to the industry leave a permanent legacy that will continue to shape the future of wool for years to come,’ says Sir Nicholas.
‘The Campaign for Wool extends its deepest sympathies to Peter’s family, friends and the many colleagues throughout the international wool community who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.’
He is survived by his partner Beverley Craig.
