Two new independent Non- Executives join the Board of British Wool
British Wool (officially known as the British Wool Marketing Board) manages the central marketing system for wool. It operates comprehensive processes for collecting, evaluating, auctioning, marketing, and advocating for fleece wool. It also holds the distinction of being the last agricultural commodity board still active in the United Kingdom. Operating as a cooperative it aims to drive sustainable demand for British wool and to maximize financial returns for sheep farmer members.
British Wool’s Board is made up of nine non-executive regionally elected board members, representing nine different regions of the UK, and 2 independent non-executive members, jointly appointed by Ministers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In addition, British Wool has one Board Appointed Non-Executive Member. These colleagues work together to guide the long-term strategic direction of the organisation and also act as a valuable source of outside perspective, advice, and challenge to the executive team.
Society was tasked with finding replacements for the departing independent non-executive members. We were seeking individuals with a track record of thoughtful and strategic decision making, excellent communication and influencing skills, and high levels of personal integrity. After an extensive search, and following approval from ministers in DEFRA and the devolved administations, Susan Millian and David Williams have been successfully appointed.
Susan’s career spans end-to-end value chains (design, raw materials, production, customer focus and margin delivery) and executive leadership roles in UK brands and retailers such as Charles Tyrwhitt, Hobbs, and Selfridges. She now focuses on supporting organisations to improve their sustainability in ways that are aligned with their brand values, missions and financial goals. Susan is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply and also serves as a Non-Executive Director at St Martin-in-the-Fields Ltd.
David is a senior finance executive with over 30 years’ experience across dairy, food, and agriculture, working at Board level in businesses ranging from start-ups to multinationals across the UK and Northern Europe. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), he brings deep expertise in finance, strategy, and business development. His experience spans the full supply chain, from behind the farmgate through to production and final product sales. He has also led numerous M&A, financing, and commercial projects, including Milk Link’s merger with Arla Foods amba.
Commenting on his appointment, David said:
I’ve enjoyed a long and successful career in farmer-owned cooperatives and am a passionate supporter of both farming and the cooperative ethos. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to bring my experience as both a leader within farming cooperatives and as a finance professional to provide guidance, advice and insight to the Board of British Wool.
Related Articles
-
AppointmentForster Communications appoints a Non-Executive DirectorForster Communications appoints a Non-Executive DirectorWe are delighted to announce Nathalie Wlodarczyk’s appointment as Non-Executive Director for Forster Communications
-
AppointmentCoin Street, Non-Executive AppointmentsCoin Street diversifies its Boards with 11 new Non-Executive appointmentsCoin Street Secondary Housing Trust, Coin Street Community Builders and Coin Street Centre Trust appoint new Non-Executive Board Members.
-
AppointmentWac Arts, Chair of the Board of TrusteesWac Art Hires New Chair of the Board of TrusteesJustina Cruickshank is joining Wac Arts as their new Chair of the Trustees
-
AppointmentCAST, TrusteesCAST expands its Board with five new trustee appointmentsSeveral new Trustees join digital for social good charity, CAST
-
AppointmentQ, Board AppointmentsAnnouncing several new hires to the Q BoardSociety supports several hires to the re-shaped Q Board.
-
AppointmentBirmingham City University, Governor and Committee Member AppointmentsBirmingham City University appoints six new members to its Board of Governors and Sub CommitteesSociety supports several non-executive hires to BCU’s Board of Governors and Sub Committees.