Whether addressing ministers, MPs, mill owners, farmers, buyers, press or students (often addressing them in their own language), Peter Ackroyd possessed an encyclopaedic understanding of the industry both in the UK and globally, delivered with warmth, wit and passion.
His passing has prompted tributes from across the international wool community, reflecting a career that touched virtually every corner of the global textile supply chain. The Campaign for Wool described him as having given more than five decades of "distinguished service to the international wool and textile industry" and praised his "unswerving devotion to championing wool as one of the world's most remarkable natural fibres". It added that colleagues would remember not only his exceptional knowledge but also "his humour and ability to lighten any room", together with his generosity and kindness.
Born in Yorkshire, Ackroyd entered the wool textile trade during the 1970s, beginning a career that coincided with profound changes in Britain's textile industry. Yet many of the qualities that would later define him: his international outlook, his love of languages and his deep appreciation of European culture, had their roots much earlier. His first visit to France came in 1961, when, on the journey to a family holiday at Cap Martin between Monte Carlo and Menton, he spent time in Paris. It proved to be the beginning of a lifelong affection for France, its language, cuisine, literature and culture. A few years later he spent a formative period living with a textile family just outside Lille, an experience that deepened both his fluency in French and his understanding of European textile manufacturing. Those early experiences fostered the curiosity and international perspective that became hallmarks of his career. Those formative experiences shaped the rest of his professional life.
He spent many years with the National Wool Textile Export Corporation, eventually serving as its Director General, helping British manufacturers develop export markets throughout Europe, Asia and North America at key trade fairs around the world. When the National Wool Textile Export Corporation's industry levy came to an abrupt end in 2009, Peter successfully negotiated the transfer of its government-funded international exhibition programme, including Première Vision Paris, to UKFT. This ensured that decades of export promotion expertise were preserved for the benefit of the wider industry.
Peter’s devotion to the industry soon became recognised internationally. He served as President of the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO), was a long-standing Global Strategic Advisor to Australian Wool Innovation and The Woolmark Company and became one of the world's foremost authorities on international wool markets, woollen and worsted fabrics, and the commercial opportunities for natural fibres. Throughout his career he consistently argued that wool's environmental credentials, performance and longevity offered the industry its strongest future as concerns about sustainability gathered pace.
Peter joined the Campaign for Wool at its foundation in 2009 as Chief Operating Officer, working closely with its founder and Patron, then HRH The Prince of Wales, now His Majesty King Charles III. Few people were more closely associated with the Campaign's development over the following seventeen years.
When he succeeded Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE as Chairman in January 2025, it was widely regarded as the natural culmination of a lifetime spent promoting wool. Announcing his appointment, Sir Nicholas said: "His knowledge of the international wool sector is unparalleled, and I know I am leaving the organisation in very safe hands."
Peter himself used the occasion to issue one of the clearest statements of his philosophy, warning of the environmental consequences of synthetic fibres and urging wool-producing nations to work together in defending natural fibres against greenwashing and misleading environmental claims.
He remained deeply engaged with the practical realities of textile manufacturing. Regularly visiting mills across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Scotland and continental Europe, he was as comfortable discussing fibre diameter, finishing techniques and export markets as he was speaking to consumer audiences and farmers about sustainability.
Peter maintained close relationships with Britain's historic textile institutions and livery companies, particularly the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, recognising the importance of preserving the traditions, education and charitable work that underpin Britain's textile heritage. He took particular pleasure in encouraging younger people entering the textile industry, freely giving his time, contacts and knowledge to anyone willing to learn. Many of today's industry leaders first benefited from Peter's generous guidance early in their careers.
His support for the UK textile sector never diminished. Even in the final weeks of his life, Peter remained exactly where he believed he belonged: travelling, visiting mills, meeting customers and championing wool. Only a week before his death he was at Milano Unica supporting the UK Fashion & Textile Association and British manufacturers, continuing the work that had defined his life.
That commitment reflected a relationship with UKFT that stretched back many years. Peter was a regular supporter of UKFT initiatives including British Textile Week and its activity at Milano Unica and Première Vision Paris, consistently promoting wool, innovation and manufacturing excellence to international buyers and brands. His advocacy helped reinforce the reputation of the UK textile industry in some of the world's most important export markets where he knew all the key buyers and agents.
Among the many honours he received, his appointment as Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2006 recognised his outstanding services to the textile industry. Yet those who knew him would probably say his greatest achievement lay not in titles or honours but in the extraordinary goodwill he inspired across an industry not always known for speaking with one voice.
Sir Nicholas Coleridge said of him: "Peter was 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."
Raffaello Napoleone, Advisor for International and Institutional Relations of Pitti Immagine in Florence and a lifelong friend described Peter as “adored and irreplaceable”.
Peter leaves behind a remarkable legacy: a stronger, more united international wool community, countless friendships across the global textile industry and an enduring belief that natural fibres remain central to the future of sustainable fashion and interiors.
His contribution to British textiles and to the international wool industry will not easily be matched.
Paul Alger MBE, International Business Director at UKFT, said: “Peter was the beating heart of the UK wool textile industry. He knew everyone who mattered and they loved him for it. He was a wonderful entertainer and bon vivant and had an incredible breadth of cultural awareness and knowledge. Above all, I will remember his wicked sense of humour and his firm friendship over many years”.
Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT said: “Peter’s contribution to the UK and global wool textile industry is unmatched. He was a passionate advocate for the industry, pragmatically leading the industry to a better future wherever he could. He is truly irreplaceable.”
For more than fifty years Peter was one of the defining figures of the international wool trade: equally at home in a Yorkshire mill, an Italian trade fair, a French restaurant or a meeting in Westminster. Few people have done more to promote British textiles and to unite the international wool community. His knowledge was exceptional, his enthusiasm infectious and his friendship treasured by many. He leaves an industry immeasurably richer for his life's work.
