Rob Fyfe will step up his involvement in Icebreaker by assumping the position of executive chairman in September.

Icebreaker founder and Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Moon says he is thrilled to have Rob Fyfe more involved in the business.

“The chairman's role is critical,” said Moon. “He works very closely with the CEO to steer the ship and set the priorities and objectives of the business for the future. I can think of no one better than Rob to be able to do this, given his wealth of experience.”

As executive chairman Fyfe will have an active day-to-day role working in the business on various strategic projects.

Fyfe has served been on Icebreaker's board for 12 months and stepped down last year as CEO of Air New Zealand, where he has been credited with turning around the airline's strategy and culture, as well as keeping it profitable during tough economic times.

Fyfe says he feels privileged to be given the opportunity to be able to contribute to the next phase of the Icebreaker journey.

“The story to date has been one of great vision, passion and belief in the merino story,” Fyfe said of Icebreaker. “But now, stimulated by success, competitors are piling into the merino category and Icebreaker must adapt and accelerate their growth and expansion to maintain their leadership position. I'm incredibly excited by the challenge in helping to get Icebreaker to the next level.”

In the last year Icebreaker has re-invented itself as a multi-channel integrated business with company-branded retail stores, wholesale customers and online shops.

Icebreaker is committed to a business model that doesn’t put profits ahead of the environment and is seeking to double sales within the next 5 years through retail growth and global expansion.

Fyfe will be replacing Noel Todd who is stepping down as Chairman of Icebreaker’s Board.

“Noel has been an amazing mentor and inspiration for me over the eighteen years as our chairman. He taught me the value of integrity and reputation in business and how to think big picture and long term. After eighteen years he thinks it's time to hand over the mantel,” says Jeremy.