Peter Ackroyd MBE: Book of Condolence

The world of wool has lost one of its greatest advocates.

Peter Ackroyd’s passion, knowledge and unwavering commitment to our industry were second to none. His remarkable understanding of wool’s history brought wisdom, perspective and balance to the many conversations and decisions that helped shape its future. He never lost sight of the importance of preserving our heritage while embracing opportunities to strengthen and future-proof this wonderful industry.

Known and respected throughout the global wool community, Peter became much more than an industry leader. He was a mentor, an inspiration, a motivator and, above all, a genuine friend to so many.

New Zealand has been incredibly fortunate to have Peter’s steadfast support since the inception of Campaign for Wool. He made several visits to New Zealand, generously giving his time to present to our growers, meet with government representatives and provide invaluable guidance and introductions. Even when he was back home, he remained in regular contact, always willing to offer encouragement, advice and support.

Whenever we travelled overseas, Peter welcomed us with open arms. His generosity, hospitality and willingness to connect us with influential people helped establish relationships that have strengthened and secured the future of our campaign. His belief in New Zealand wool never wavered.

Peter was a true connoisseur of life. He had a love of travel, fine food and wine, but perhaps most of all, fashion—particularly where natural fibres and wool were celebrated. He understood not only the heritage of wool but also its place in the future, and he championed its use with passion and conviction wherever he went.

Peter was the epitome of a true wool veteran. His legacy will live on through the countless people he inspired, the friendships he nurtured, and the enduring contribution he made to our industry.

Most importantly, Peter was a loyal and treasured friend. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Peter. Thank you for everything you gave to the world of wool and to all of us who were fortunate enough to walk alongside you.

A tribute to Peter Akroyd from CFW New Zealand Trust

Everyone at Anderson & Sheppard is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Peter Ackroyd MBE, Chairman of the Campaign for Wool.

Peter devoted more than five decades to the international wool and textile industry, serving as President of the International Wool Textile Organisation, Global Strategic Advisor to Australian Wool Innovation and Woolmark, and, since January 2025, as Chairman of The Campaign for Wool under the Patronage of His Majesty King Charles III. He was awarded an MBE for services to the textile industry in 2006.

We are enormously grateful for his continued support of our firm over many years, and for his tireless championing of wool as a natural, renewable and enduring fibre – a cause close to our own heart.

Anderson & Sheppard

Here in Florence at Pitti Immagine we all are really very sad,thinking that Peter will be not at next Pitti Immagine Uomo and Filati.

He has been a real friend of the italian textile community and its extraordinary wool industry,always very close to the total fashion world!

His unique,elegant and passionate way of dealing with all of us will be unforgettable and in the mean time a very unique,sweet and vivid memory.

It has been e real privilege to share together decades of speaking, thinking, working, organizing, eating, drinking, having fun together.

Thank you for all you have done,we will feel you always very close,you will surely always be in the next room.

Un grande abbraccio

Raffaello Napoleone with the Pitti Immagine team

Very sad indeed to learn of the passing of Peter Ackroyd MBE. He was a tireless supporter of campaign for wool in all its guises and this year became its chairman. I had known Peter for more than 30 years and often had lunch with him. He was delightful company and helped me enormously not only in sourcing woollen mills but also for his sage advice. He was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed in the wool industry as a whole. RIP.

Jeremy Hackett

On behalf of the Italian Wool Section of Confindustria Moda, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Peter Ackroyd.

Peter was an extraordinary figure whose contribution to the international wool community extended far beyond the many leadership positions he held. Through his dedication to the International Wool Textile Organisation and The Campaign for Wool, he devoted his life to
promoting wool and strengthening the global wool supply chain with vision, integrity and unwavering commitment.

Those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Peter will remember not only his exceptional knowledge of our industry, but also his intellectual curiosity, his remarkable linguistic abilities and his distinctive sense of humour, which reflected both his warmth and his character.
He had a rare talent for bringing people together and building lasting relationships across countries, cultures and generations.

The Italian wool industry held a special place in Peter’s esteem. He deeply appreciated the excellence, craftsmanship and innovation of our companies, and our members will always remember the respect, friendship and encouragement he consistently showed towards them.
His passing is a great loss for the entire international wool community. We are grateful for the example he set, for the generosity with which he shared his knowledge and experience, and for the enduring legacy he leaves to all who care about the future of wool.

Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Mr. Luca Patti, President of the Italian Wool Section of Confindustria Moda.

On behalf of the Italian Wool Section of Confindustria Moda, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Peter Ackroyd.

Peter was an extraordinary figure whose contribution to the international wool community extended far beyond the many leadership positions he held. Through his dedication to the International Wool Textile Organisation and The Campaign for Wool, he devoted his life to promoting wool and strengthening the global wool supply chain with vision, integrity and unwavering commitment.

Those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Peter will remember not only his exceptional knowledge of our industry, but also his intellectual curiosity, his remarkable linguistic abilities and his distinctive sense of humour, which reflected both his warmth and his character. He had a rare talent for bringing people together and building lasting relationships across countries, cultures and generations.

The Italian wool industry held a special place in Peter’s esteem. He deeply appreciated the excellence, craftsmanship and innovation of our companies, and our members will always remember the respect, friendship and encouragement he consistently showed towards them. His passing is a great loss for the entire international wool community. We are grateful for the example he set, for the generosity with which he shared his knowledge and experience, and for the enduring legacy he leaves to all who care about the future of wool.

Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Mr. Luca Patti, President of the Italian Wool Section of Confindustria Moda.