SYDNEY: The Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) chief executive officer Brenda McGahan has announced her intent to resign after 12 months in the role.
The news comes with the AWI supported L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) Designer Award presented by Woolmark only two weeks away.
AWI chairman Wal Merriman said that Brenda's decision had been brought about by her frustration at the ongoing differences of opinion amongst members of the AWI board.
He said he understood her rationale for leaving.
"I know of no better advocate for the wool industry in Australia than Brenda McGahan," he said."I know I will be just one of many woolgrowers who will be disappointed at Brenda’s decision. She created a great sense of excitement and hope for the future of the wool industry in what has been a very tough environment over the past couple of years."
Merriman said McGahan had agreed to stay on as CEO until a suitable replacement had been appointed to facilitate a seamless handover.
At LMFF, Woolmark (owned by AWI) will present the Design Award winner with a $10,000 prize and commemorative award. The winning designer will be flown to either Pitti Filati trade show in Florence or Premier Vision in Paris as a guest of Woolmark.
This year's finalists are Dion Lee, Dhini, Gail Sorronda, Gary Bigeni, Lui Hon, Konstantina Mittas and Therese Rawsthorne.