The Campaign for Wool has paid tribute following the death of its chairperson, Peter Ackroyd MBE.

Ackroyd was appointed chair 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 followed more than five decades of service to the international wool and textile industry where he championed wool as one of the world's most remarkable natural fibres. 

Sir Nicholas Coleridge said: “Peter was a lifelong wool man of the highest calibre, who knew every mill, every player and wool champion in the UK and beyond.

Wool advocate

Throughout his career, Peter Ackroyd 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.

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 chair, Ackroyd served the Campaign for Wool under the patronage of King Charles III.

He was passionate about championing wool's environmental, technical and economic importance, helping to strengthen relationships across farming, manufacturing, fashion, interiors, retail and government.

Those who worked alongside Peter Ackroyd have remarked that they will remember not only his 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," the Campaign for Wool has said.

"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 has expressed its sympathies to Peter Ackroyd's family, friends and the many colleagues throughout the international wool community who worked alongside him.

Campaign for Wool

The Campaign for Wool is a not-for-profit international organisation that aims to raise awareness among 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.

King Charles III first conceived the initiative in 2008, when he was The Prince of Wales, and it was formally launched to consumers in 2010.

As a committed environmentalist, King Charles believes wool's natural, renewable origin and highly technical structure offer fashion and interiors many superior benefits.