News Flash

Dr Len Stephens on his ouster from AWI

18 Sep '06

2 min read

Dr Len Stephens, CEO Australian Wool Innovation Limited made statement on press, about his resignation from the company:

I wish to advise Australian woolgrowers, staff and everyone involved with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) that I will be leaving the company at the end of this year.

Soon after the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the integration of Australian Wool Services (AWS) and AWI was signed, the AWI Board and I came to an agreement about the timing of my departure.

The Directors have indicated they will appoint a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the company post-integration, and I will therefore be pursuing other opportunities.

I will remain as CEO for the next few months, which will be a busy time for the operational side of the company as we build up our product marketing activities around the world and drive important projects such as shearing and mulesing replacements to market.

At the same time, we will also conduct WoolPoll, carry out planning for the AWI/AWS integration, and hold the Annual General Meeting.

Between now and the end of the year I will work with the Board and senior staff to ensure a smooth transition.

As with most jobs in the wool industry, leading AWI has been a stimulating and difficult task. When I started, the plan was for AWI to be a research and development company principally operating from Sydney.

But over the past three years, the scope of AWI's activities has expanded enormously to include apparel product development and marketing, with operations in five countries in addition to Australia.

It is now time for a new approach to the management of the company and I will do everything I can to ensure the company is handed over to the next CEO in good shape.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has offered me so much assistance during the past years.

Australian Wool Innovation Limited

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