Peter Ackroyd MBE, champion of the wool industry, dies aged 76

Peter Ackroyd MBE, who was Chairman of the Campaign for Wool and a leading international advocate for the natural fibre, has died aged 76.

Ackroyd was a leading figure in the wool and textile industry, with a career spanning more than five decades.

Tributes have poured in from across the sector following Ackroyd's passing, with colleagues and others throughout the global supply chain remembering him as a warm and well-respected leader. 

In January 2025 Ackroyd became Chairman of the non-profit Campaign for Wool, succeeding Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE, after serving as the organisation’s Chief Operating Officer from 2009. 

The not-for-profit international organisation 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. 

In a tribute to Ackroyd the organisation noted his 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." 

"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."

"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."

Coleridge described him as "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,” he added. 

Five decades in wool and textiles

Ackroyd worked across business development, research projects and international promotion during a career that began in the 1970s. He served as President of the International Wool Textile Organisation and was both Global Strategic Advisor to Australian Wool Innovation and Woolmark.

He was formerly Vice President of the Strategy Committee for Première Vision and President of the Bradford Textile Society. He received an MBE in 2006 for services to the textile industry.

Under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III, who first conceived the initiative in 2008, Ackroyd used his Campaign for Wool roles to promote wool’s environmental and technical properties, while connecting farming, manufacturing, fashion and retail businesses.

When his appointment as Chairman was announced in late 2024, Ackroyd called for wool-producing countries to work together more closely. He argued that the sector needed to challenge the growth of synthetic materials, disinformation and greenwashing by fast-fashion retailers.

International wool sector pays tribute

A host of tributes gathered by online news platform SheepCentral, which reports on the Australian sheep and wool industries, recognised Ackroyd’s humour, multilingual skills and willingness to mentor colleagues.

Australian Wool Innovation said Ackroyd had represented Australian wool growers across the international supply chain for decades. Scott Carmody, its Head of Domestic Operations, described him as generous with his knowledge and unwavering in his support for the industry.

Michael Jackson, Managing Director of AWTA (Australian Wool Testing Authority), recalled Ackroyd’s hospitality during visits to Yorkshire mills and his extensive relationships across Europe and Asia. David Michell, Chairman of Wool Industries Australia, highlighted his dependable knowledge and ability to put complex industry issues into perspective.

The Campaign for Wool extended its sympathies to Ackroyd’s family, friends and colleagues. It further shared that funeral arrangements and details about the organisation’s future governance will be announced in due course.