Seamless announces inaugural CEO and Board of Directors

The AFC is proud to support Seamless as it enters its next phase, welcoming the announcement of its new CEO and Board of Directors. We look forward to continuing our support for the new organisation, as well as current and future members, in 2024.

Seamless appoints new CEO, Ainsley Simpson

The recently formed Seamless Board, today announced the appointment of its inaugural CEO Ainsley Simpson, effective from 4 March 2024. Seamless is about creating a sustainable fashion future for the Australian clothing industry by transforming how clothing is made, used, reused and recycled in Australia.

In speaking about the CEO appointment Seamless Board Independent Chair, Rosanna Iacono, said.

‘As a respected, inclusive and values-driven business leader, Ainsley is an outstanding choice to champion our ambitious vision. She brings a wealth of strategic leadership experience and proven ability to drive sustainability best-practice, building strategic partnerships spanning government, business and industry peak bodies for intergenerational impact’.

Deeply familiar with driving sectoral change, Ms Simpson is currently the CEO of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, a purpose-led not-for-profit, assuring economic, social and environmental outcomes for over $290 billion infrastructure investment across Australia and New Zealand. She has amplified the organisation's impact, serving a member base with a combined annual turnover of more than $50 billion.

Ms Simpson has worked in executive roles in public and private sector organisations, and holds non-executive roles on other not-for-profit boards and global committees which systematise continuous improvement and inform policy leadership so people, nature and nations thrive.

“This appointment marks the start of an exciting new chapter, and the board looks forward to working with Ainsley to drive responsible change toward effective clothing stewardship and circularity by 2030’, said Ms Iacono.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Simpson stated “It is a privilege to be leading this important work on behalf of the founding and future members who are at the forefront of circularity in Australia; and contributing to transforming the way clothing is made, enjoyed and recirculated on a global scale’.

“My immediate priorities will be meeting our existing and imminent members and activating initial outcomes across our four strategic objectives; circular design, circular business models, closing the loop and citizen behaviour change.

The appointment represents a major milestone toward activating clothing stewardship in Australia.

Seamless Board of Directors

The Seamless Board is made up of a representative from the Australian Fashion Council and nominated representatives from each of the eight Seamless Foundation Members :

The Board is also currently recruiting two independent directors that will bring relevant specialist knowledge and skills across the clothing supply chain from clothing design, reuse and recycling and an independent director acting as Guardian of Nature, that will bring relevant specialist knowledge and skills in relation to the natural world and the non-human species that inhabit it and/or social impact.

Brands are encouraged to register their interest to remain up to date with Seamless.

Progress Update: Seamless breaks new ground appointing new independent Director

The National Clothing Stewardship Scheme, Seamless, aims to transform how clothing is made, used and recirculated in Australia to achieve clothing circularity by 2030.

On 28 September 2023, the Seamless Transition Advisory Group (TAG) had its third meeting with a clear objective to progress the establishment of the Product Stewardship Organisation (PSO) through the development of a new Constitution and Board of Directors. 

Foundation members of Seamless; Big W, David Jones, Lorna Jane, Rip Curl, RM Williams and THE ICONIC, along with a range of clothing supply chain specialists including NSW Environment Protection Authority, Charitable Recycling Australia and Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association attended the meeting.

The clothing industry was further represented by A.BCH and the Australian Fashion Council.

The latest Foundation member, Sussan Group, joined the meeting for the first time. 

“The Sussan Group is looking forward to helping shape the conversation and recommendations for the proposed scheme. We are excited to be working alongside our Seamless partners on potential solutions to solve the issue of textile waste” said Rebecca Hard, Sussan Group CEO. 

The newly created Constitution establishes a robust framework with clear objectives related to clothing circularity and outlines the role of supply chain stakeholders in the governance of the organisation.

Notably, the new Seamless PSO is breaking new ground in Australia by appointing an independent director responsible for serving as a Guardian of Nature. This dedicated role is focused on representing the interests of nature, all species, and the environment as a whole.

“I commend the Transition Advisory Group for embracing a progressive approach in the establishment of the constitution, ensuring that the organisation will be genuinely focused on positive outcomes for planet, people and economy and inclusive in the breadth of stakeholders whose voices will be heard in the delivery of strategy,” said Rosanna Iacono, Independent Chair of the Seamless TAG.  

The TAG’s next meeting is scheduled for 26th October 2023 to finalise its role in the establishment process and to handover to the newly established PSO and its Board.

Register your interest.