New Zealand’s WoolWorks announces appointment of new Group CEO

WoolWorks announces that after a global search, that Rosstan Mazey, the current CEO Woolworks Ventures, has been appointed Interim Group CEO WoolWorks, with effect from the 1st of January 2026.

Rosstan will take over the day-to-day duties from the long-term President, Nigel Hales, who is stepping back as he transitions towards retirement. Nigel will remain as President of the company and will concentrate on accelerating new projects and execute growth opportunities that are in front of WoolWorks right now.

Rosstan has worked tirelessly for WoolWorks in an Executive role over the past five years as

WW has navigated substantial growth, natural disasters and turbulent trading conditions.

During this time, Rosstan has fronted “WoolWorks Ventures Division” and more recently set up “WoolWorks Grower Direct”. He also represents New Zealand Wool Inc as an Executive Member of the International Wool Textile Organisation, Brussels.

Promoting Rosstan to the role of WoolWorks Group CEO is a natural progression for Rosstan’s career path and a benefit to the company, I wish him well for the future.” – Nigel Hales.

Rosstan has worked for WoolWorks for over 5 years and has been part of the transformational executive leadership team during this time. More recently, Rosstan has held the role of CEO for WoolWorks Ventures, which has notably included the launch and establishment of WoolWorks Grower Direct, delivering improved financial returns for participating wool growers through a direct and efficient model, importantly creating a platform to align wool specifications with market opportunities.

‘This is an exciting time in the evolution of the business, and we are pleased that we have had the calibre of Rosstan as part of the WW executive’, says Nigel Hales. “I am genuinely excited about this new role and greatly appreciate the opportunity given to me by the Shareholders and the Board of WoolWorks. As with most processing companies we have a range of challenges in front of us. However, I am optimistic about the real prospects for

our company, people and the wool sector in which we hold a critical role here in New Zealand, enabling the on-shore value-add of this fantastic fibre through domestic manufacturing and ongoing innovation, and providing manufacturers around the world with the opportunity to work with high-quality New Zealand scoured wool.

Rosstan Mazey says “I have benefitted greatly from working alongside Nigel, gaining knowledge from his extensive skill set, connections and expertise. For WoolWorks and myself it is ideal that Nigel remains in the company and supports me as I transition into this group leadership role,”.

“I am thrilled that Rosstan has accepted the role of Group CEO. Rosstan is an invaluable

member of the executive team whom is well regarded within the WoolWorks business and the wider wool community’, says Nigel hales.

Source: WoolWorks