Australian Wool Innovation – parent company to the Woolmark Company – has announced that John Roberts has been appointed as its new CEO.
Roberts has been acting in the role since October 2021 and his appointment follows an internal selection process by an executive recruitment firm.
Roberts stems from a wool-producing family at Binalong in southern NSW and has worked in a wide range of roles at AWI including managing international offices and as the company’s chief operating officer.
In addition, he has also worked in private agribusiness companies, including as a wool buyer, trader and processor.
"John has in depth knowledge of the key players throughout the industry from the farm gate to the fashion catwalk," AWI Chairman Jock Laurie said of Roberts' appointment.
Roberts said he was proud to be named as AWI's CEO.
"It is an enormous privilege and brings with it great responsibility to deliver programs here in Australia and around the world that help make Australian woolgrowing more profitable and sustainable," he said.