Kylie Hargreaves has been announced as the permanent Independent Chair of Seamless, Australia’s clothing stewardship scheme and the world’s first circular stewardship scheme. Kylie brings a distinctive combination of governance and senior executive experience across government, private enterprise, and the not-for-profit sector, and she will commence her new role on 1 May 2025.
Outgoing acting Independent Chair, Rosanna Iacono said Kylie’s unique blend of practical domestic and international experience along with her extensive stakeholder networks will ensure she is instrumental in leading Seamless on their mission to transition to a circular clothing sector in Australia.
“Kylie has a longstanding track record of strategic leadership in complex and highly scrutinised environments which will be critical to Seamless. As a former Australian Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner and Deputy Secretary within the NSW Government, she brings a deep understanding of what it takes to drive both economic growth and systemic change. Her career has been defined by delivering innovative business models and tackling difficult challenges to achieve positive and transformative outcomes for Australia.”
“Among her many achievements, Kylie championed the creation of NSW’s first public environmental data-sharing platform (SEED), facilitated more than $8 billion in new capital investment into Australia, and led the development of National Intermodal Corporation’s first Sustainability Strategy and Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. During her time with the NSW Government and Austrade (The Australian Trade and Investment Commission) she also worked with hundreds of companies to grow their business overseas and in Australia, helped overhaul export services supporting over 8,000 companies per year and was one of the original four co-creators of the G’Day USA program which modernised public diplomacy in the USA and created a legacy which continues today. Kylie currently chairs the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity and is Deputy Chair of Regional Development Australia.”
Seamless CEO Ainsley Simpson welcomed Kylie to the role and recognised the valuable contribution of the outgoing acting Independent Chair, Rosanna Iacono.
“Kylie’s appointment marks the start of an exciting next chapter for Seamless. Kylie will bring a fresh perspective to how we continue to deliver on our strategic priorities and accelerate whole of life stewardship through policy advocacy, infrastructure investment and global alignment.”
“Additionally, the Board, the Seamless team and the entire Seamless community, have benefited from the incredible leadership of Rosanna Iacono, who has served as the acting Independent Chair since January 2024. Her global and local experience across fashion, retail and sustainability was pivotal in the establishment phase of Seamless and ensured that we launched with strong momentum and purpose.”
“Rosanna operates with bold ambition, deep industry knowledge, and a pragmatic leadership style which delivered a sound governance foundation for long-term impact. We are immensely grateful that she will continue to serve as an Independent Director of Seamless, and member of our Governance and Nominations Committee, and I really value the time she has invested in me.”
Kylie Hargreaves, the new Chair of Seamless said, “It’s a privilege to be joining Seamless. I am energised by the vision, purpose and the incredible groundwork Rosanna, the Board, Ainsley and her team have already made in such a short time. I look forward to building on that work, and together with industry and government, transforming our clothing supply chain from design to end-of-life, improving profitability, fostering circularity and reducing negative impacts, while also supporting new business models and sustainable growth opportunities.”
Rosanna Iacono said, “It has been an immense privilege to serve as the acting Independent Chair and support the establishment of Seamless, a world-first organisation driving circular product stewardship. Working alongside passionate and diverse individuals across the value chain, all committed to a bold, systemic shift, has been truly inspiring. I am excited to remain on the Board and continue contributing to the Seamless strategy. I warmly welcome Kylie as the new Chair and am delighted that someone with her valuable skills and experience will be guiding our Board. The Board and I eagerly look forward to working closely with Kylie to accelerate our shared journey towards a circular, inclusive and resilient clothing economy for Australia”.
Banner image: left to right - Rosanna Iacono, outgoing acting Independent Chair and Kylie Hargreaves, new permanent Independent Chair
