Governance

As outlined in the Company's constitution the management and control of the business and affairs of the company are vested in the Board. The Board is committed to the governance systems that enhance performance and ensure AWI operates legally and responsibly on all matters and maintain the highest ethical standards.

The main functions and responsibilities of the Board include but are not limited to; general oversight of the Company, governance, risk management, people and remuneration, and communication with shareholders. A detailed list of the roles and responsibilities of the Board can be found  in the Board Charter.

Four committees have been established within the Board to assist in the executing and delivering their roles and responsibilities. These committees include.

Audit and Risk Committee (ARC)

Chaired by George Millington

Renamed from Finance & Audit committee to Audit & Risk Committee in January 2020. Directors appointed by the Board provide guidance and recommendations to the Board and the CEO to assist in fulfilling their responsibilities relating to risk, accounting, reporting and compliance practices of the Company.

Marketing and Product Innovation Committee

Chaired by Georgia Hack

This Committee was established to provide guidance and recommendation to the Board and CEO relating to reviewing departmental strategy, providing strategic support to management, and marketing and product innovation project approval.

People and Culture Committee (PCC)

Chaired by Don Macdonald

Renamed from Remuneration & Appointments Committee to People & Culture Committee in January 2020. This committee provides guidance and recommendations to the Board and the CEO in matters pertaining to recruitment and retention on employees and policies governing remuneration for current and potential employees.

Research Development Education & Extension Committee (RDEEC)

Chaired by Michelle Humphries

Renamed from Science & Welfare Committee to Research Development Education & Extension Committee in January 2020. This Committee was established to provide guidance and recommendation to the Board and CEO regarding the scientific and research policies of the Company and on the conduct of programs relating to activities undertaken by the Company that utilise science or impact animal welfare activities. Oversight of the Education & Extension portfolio was added to the responsibilities for the committee in January 2020.

Board Nomination Committee

Established to assess the skills of those seeking election to the Board of AWI, the five-member Committee was introduced in 2011 in accordance with AWI’s Statutory Funding Agreement with the Federal Government.

The Board

The Board is composed of Directors who collectively possess the skills required to fulfill the purpose of the Board and lead the Company.

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George Millington

George Millington was elected to the Board in November 2023. He was appointed as Chairman of the AWI Board on 14 November 2025.

George is the owner and managing director of Collinsville Stud Merinos, where he led the acquisition and integration of the Merino studs of Collinsville and East Bungaree.  He is also a director and majority shareholder of APD Parcel Delivery, a logistics company he acquired in 2012. 

Georgia Hack

Georgia Hack was elected as a director in 2021.

Georgia Hack has a Masters in Marketing from the Melbourne Business School, and is an accomplished Marketing and business professional. In March 2023, Georgia joined L'Oreal Australia & New Zealand as Chief Digital & Marketing Officer.

Michelle Humphries

Dr Humphries BVSc MAICD was elected to the AWI Board in November 2019.

Dr Humphries is a highly respected sheep veterinarian with more than 40 years' experience in the Merino industry. She sits on a range of expert advisory committees and boards and operates a commercial Merino enterprise in the Riverina region of NSW.

Neil Jackson

Neil Jackson was elected to the Board in November 2023.

Neil is a third-generation farmer with 38 years hands-on experience.  He currently runs his operation, Sunny Valley Farms which is now one of the larger family-owned wool farms in the Great Southern of Western Australia.

Don MacDonald

Don Macdonald was elected to the Board in November 2017.

Don Macdonald has been involved in the wool industry since 1975 as a wool classer, shearer, wool broker and grower. He has extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of wool production, harvesting, marketing and logistics.

Chris Mirams

Chris Mirams was elected to the Board in November 2025. 

Chris is a board member of APS Medical Technology, Albury Wodonga Health and previously Executive Chair Sheep Producers Australia, Deputy Chair RMAC, member of the board North East Water, Meat Livestock Australia, MLA Donor Company, Sheep Health & Welfare Trust and Sheep Industry Sustainability Framework.

Anthony Uren

Anthony Uren was elected to the Board in November 2025.

Anthony Uren brings over 40 years of executive and operational leadership across some of Australia’s largest corporate and family wool growing entities, encompassing the Riverina, New England, Western Victoria and South Australia. This experience spans the full spectrum of wool types, from superfine to broad wools, across high rainfall to pastoral environments.

Chief Executive Officer
Bryan Fry

The chief executive officer is appointed by the Board of Directors.

The roles and responsibilities of the CEO include but are not limited to; the ongoing management of the Company, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, company policy standards and procedures; implementing the decisions of the board, ensuring a safe workplace, attending all board meetings and ensuring the board is informed on all matters that may affect the Company. 

AWI's current CEO is Bryan Fry. 

Bryan Fry is the Chief Executive Officer of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), and was appointed to the role in March 2026. Bryan brings more than 30 years of international leadership experience across agribusiness, marketing and brand development. He has held senior executive and CEO roles across Australia, Asia, the United States and South America, leading complex businesses and global teams while driving strategic growth and brand value.

Bryan grew up on a family farm in the Adelaide Hills and developed an early connection to agriculture and primary production. Post tertiary studies at University of Adelaide and University of New England, his career began in agronomy and rural merchandise before moving into the global wine and spirits sector, where he built extensive expertise in supply chains that connect producers to international consumers.

Before joining AWI, Bryan served as Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Winemakers, where he led operations spanning Australia, New Zealand, Spain and the United States. In this role he managed global brands, production and distribution partners across more than 70 markets and was responsible for significant strategic transformation, including leading the divestment of Pernod Ricard’s global wine business.

Earlier in his career Bryan held several international leadership positions with Pernod Ricard, including CEO roles in the United States and Brazil and Vice President of Marketing Asia based in Hong Kong. Across these roles he developed a reputation for building high-performing teams, strengthening global brands and delivering sustainable commercial growth in complex international markets.

Bryan brings to AWI a unique combination of agricultural roots, global marketing expertise and deep experience working across the full value chain from primary producers to consumers. He is passionate about stakeholder engagement, innovation, industry profitability and ensuring Australian wool continues to strengthen its position as a premium natural fibre on the global stage.

Become a Shareholder

AWI shareholders are able to shape the decision making process of the company via their access to information from the company, and right to vote at Annual General Meetings. 

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