English-based topmaker Laurence Modiano, Tri-Solfen inventor Meredith Sheil, stud producer George Falkiner and West Australian stud producer David Webster were the four of the five challengers elected to the AWI board.

Current directors Chris Abell, Robyn Clubb, Ken Boundy and John Keniry failed to be elected, while challenger Will Roberts also failed in his board bid.

Immediately after the AGM the new board met and elected Wal Merriman to the post of chairman, replacing Mr van Rooyen, while Roger Fletcher was elected deputy chair.

• Only Brian van Rooyen holds seat on AWI board
• Four of the five challengers elected
• van Rooyen calls for unity, but steps down as chair
• Kevin Bell reconsiders his place on the board

The result leaves a very different nine member board, with Mr van Rooyen and West Australian consultant Kevin Bell as the only strong supporters on the 2010 phase out of mulesing.

Mr Bell has questioned whether he will continue on the board under the present circumstances.

The four newly elected directors will join Mr Merriman, Mr Fletcher and Chick Olsson, who are also against the 2010 mulesing deadline.

Facing a potentially hostile boardroom and after months of hostile in-fighting, Mr van Rooyen has called for unity in the industry.

"We must work together and build demand," he said.

"We have the right business model, we have the right marketing plan, we have the right strategic plan and we have the right people around the globe to grow demand for Australian wool.

"AWI needs to achieve continued new demand for Australian wool so that woolgrowers can achieve better prices."

Mr van Rooyen told shareholders today that despite difficult economic times AWI's new global marketing strategy would drive increased demand for Australian Merino wool worldwide.