Ian Maclean has been appointed chairman of the Campaign for Wool, succeeding Peter Ackroyd, who died unexpectedly in July 2026 after serving as chairman since January 2025. His appointment was unanimously backed by the organisation's Funders' Board.
The Campaign for Wool was established in 2008 by King Charles III, then Prince of Galles, and formally launched in 2010. L'organisation promotes wool and supports producers across major regions including the British Isles, Australia, Nouvelle-Zélande and Sud Africa.
Ian Maclean currently chairs the family knitwear company John Smedley Ltd, which holds two Royal Warrants of which he is the holder. He has also served on the board of the UKFT for 12 years, chaired the Textile Committee of The Clothworkers' Company, and led The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust from 2022 to 2025. He received an MBE in 2020 for his company's response to the Covid-19 pandemic and his services to the British textile industry.
In a statement, Ian Maclean said: « C'est un grand honneur d'être nommé président du Campaign for Wool. La laine a un rôle si important à jouer dans l'avenir du textile, ses qualités naturelles, renouvelables et biodégradables la rendant de plus en plus pertinente alors que nous recherchons des matériaux plus durables et des modes de production et de consommation plus responsables. »
Taking office during Wool Month
Ian Maclean takes up his duties during Wool Month, the campaign's annual October programme, which brings together farmers, manufacturers, designers, brands, retailers and consumers around the applications of wool in fashion, interiors and craft products. This year, the organisation is placing greater emphasis on wool traceability, responsible land management, animal welfare, recycling and circularity, alongside its natural and renewable qualities.
