Obituary: The Campaign for Wool announces the death of its Chairman, Peter Ackroyd MBE

The Campaign for Wool announces with sadness the death of its Chairman, Peter Ackroyd MBE.

Peter Ackroyd MBE was appointed Chairman of the Campaign for Wool* in January 2025, succeeding Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE, 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.  

“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," Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE.  

Throughout his career, Peter earned enormous respect across the global textile community. He served as President of the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO), 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. Peter 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, Peter had the privilege of serving the Campaign under the Patronage of His Majesty King Charles III 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 Campaign 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. 

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. 

Additional announcements regarding funeral arrangements and the governance of the Campaign for Wool will be made in due course.

*The Campaign for Wool is a not-for-profit international organisation that aims to raise awareness amongst consumers about the unique and sustainable properties of wool as a natural fibre and to promote the many ways it can be used and the products in which it can be used. His Majesty King Charles III first conceived the initiative in 2008, when he was HRH The Prince of Wales, and it was formally launched to consumers in 2010. As a committed environmentalist, His Majesty believes wool's natural, renewable origin and highly technical structure offer fashion and interiors many superior benefits.

New Role: Peter Ackroyd Appointed Chairman of Campaign for Wool, Succeeding Sir Nicholas Coleridge

Peter Ackroyd MBE has been named Chairman of the not-for-profit Campaign for Wool*, with immediate effect, succeeding Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE. 

King Charles III, the organisation’s Patron, continues to champion its mission.

Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE (L.) and Peter Ackroyd MBE (R>)
Campaign for Wool 

Ackroyd, who has been the Campaign's COO since its inception in 2009, brings over 50 years of experience in the textile industry. His distinguished career includes roles as President of the International Wool Textile Organisation and Global Strategic Advisor for Australian Wool Innovation/Woolmark Company. Since the 1970s, Ackroyd has dedicated himself to advancing the wool industry through business development, research, innovation, and global marketing. He is highly regarded for his expertise in yarn, woollen, and worsted fabric sectors.

Sir Nicholas steps down as Chair to focus on his roles as the 43rd Provost of Eton College and Chair of Historic Royal Palaces. Reflecting on his tenure, he remarked, “What I thought would be a three- or four-year role turned into 14 wonderful years. It has been immensely rewarding, but it is time to hand over the reins. Peter, with his unparalleled knowledge of the international wool sector and our close collaboration over the years, is the perfect successor. I leave the Campaign in exceptionally capable hands.”

As Patron, King Charles III continues to advocate for wool’s natural, sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable properties, which align with his environmental priorities.

Ackroyd will focus on addressing critical challenges facing the wool industry, including the European Union’s Environmental Footprint (PEF) legislation. This framework, part of the EU’s forthcoming Digital Product Passports set for 2026, may undervalue wool’s environmental benefits, such as biodegradability and renewability, while insufficiently addressing issues like microplastic pollution caused by synthetic fibres.

“Now more than ever, wool-producing nations must unite to raise awareness about the environmental harm caused by synthetic fibres,” said Ackroyd. “At a time when global waste levels are unsustainable, we are seeing an alarming rise in synthetic materials, disinformation, and greenwashing by fast-fashion brands.”

The announcement follows a milestone year for the Campaign for Wool, which orchestrated over 20 events during Wool Month in October, engaging over 3,000 participants from farmers and manufacturers to designers and retailers. Its “Check it’s Wool” consumer campaign resonated widely across the textile sector.

Additionally, the Campaign launched a three-year collaboration with Aardman Animations to promote British and New Zealand wool through the beloved character Shaun the Sheep. The initiative, titled “Shaun Loves Wool,” highlights wool’s benefits in flooring and sustainability, aiming to educate consumers on its positive impact on the planet.

Ackroyd’s leadership promises to steer the Campaign through an evolving global landscape, ensuring wool’s legacy as a natural and sustainable resource endures.

*The Campaign for Wool is a not-for-profit international organisation that aims to raise awareness amongst consumers about the unique and sustainable properties of wool as a natural fibre and promote the many ways and products in which it can be used.  His Majesty King Charles III first conceived the initiative in 2008, when he was The Prince of Wales, and then it was formally launched to consumers in 2010. As a serious environmentalist, His Majesty believes wool's natural, renewable origin and highly technical structure offer fashion and interiors many superior benefits.  The Campaign for Wool are affiliates with British Wool, The Woolmark Company, Cape Wools and Campaign for Wool New Zealand.

Edited by Lucia Carpio, based on press release from Campaign for Wool.  Image courtesy of Campaign for Wool.