The Board of Australian Wool Innovation is pleased to announce the appointment of Jock Laurie, a champion of Australian agriculture, as its new Chairman.
The appointment, which is effective immediately, follows the decision of former Chairman Colette Garnsey to step down from the role to ensure a smooth transition and knowledge transfer ahead of the Annual General Meeting in November.
Ms Garnsey, who has served on the Board for 10 years, the last three years as Chairman, had previously announced her intention to retire at the AGM. She will remain on the Board as a director until the AGM to ensure an orderly handover to Jock Laurie.
Mr Laurie has been on the Board of AWI since 2015.
He and his family have a farming business that consist of wool, lamb, beef and grain on properties in Walcha, Bendemeer and Gunnedah in New South Wales.
Mr Laurie is also a past president of the National Farmers Federation and the NSW Farmers Association.
"I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead AWI given its critical role in supporting an industry I have been involved in all my life," Mr Laurie said. "I look forward to working with the Board, management and the entire AWI team to continue our mission to support Australian woolgrowers on farm and in international markets.
"On behalf of Australian woolgrowers, I would like to thank Colette for her contribution to the wool industry through her role as chairman and as a director of AWI. Colette's understanding of the industry beyond the farm gate has been of great value to the industry."
Ms Garnsey said she was proud to have served Australian woolgrowers on the AWI board for the past decade.
"AWI is blessed with wonderful people on the Board and among the whole team, working every day for Australian woolgrowers. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served this very fine industry and for the honour of serving as chairman of AWI. AWI has important work to do and I am certain we are well positioned to do it.
"I will stay on as a director until the AGM to provide Board continuity and to support Jock as he transitions into the Chairman's role. I have every confidence that Jock will be a tremendous leader of AWI given his depth of experience and passion for our industry."
The AWI Annual General Meeting will be held on the 19th November 2021.
