The Campaign for Wool has appointed Ian Maclean MBE as its new Chairman. He succeeds the late Peter Ackroyd MBE, a former IWTO President, who passed away unexpectedly in July.
Ian is Chairman of John Smedley Ltd, his family-owned knitwear company, and has supported the Campaign since its inception. His appointment was unanimously endorsed by the Campaign’s Funders’ Board.
His career spans manufacturing and retail, alongside a strong record of industry service. For 12 years he has served on the Board of UKFT, the UK fashion and textiles trade association. Ian also chairs the Textile Committee of The Clothworkers’ Company. In 2020 he received an MBE for his company’s Covid-19 response and services to UK textiles.
“It is a great honour to be appointed Chairman of the Campaign for Wool,” Ian said. “I look forward to working with our partners and supporters around the world to build on the strong foundations laid by those who have led the Campaign before me, and to continue championing wool for future generations.”
The announcement comes during Wool Month, the Campaign’s annual October programme of events bringing together farmers, manufacturers, designers, brands, retailers and consumers.
The Campaign for Wool was conceived in 2008 by its Patron, His Majesty King Charles III, then HRH The Prince of Wales, and launched to consumers in 2010. It promotes all wool types and product categories.
IWTO congratulates Ian on his appointment and looks forward to continuing to work with the Campaign.