“He has had a tireless focus on aligning the company to stakeholder interests and ensuring best practice corporate governance. There is no doubt that he has left an indelible mark on the company.”

– FWPA’s Managing Director, Ric Sinclair.

Mr Adams has been Chairman of the FWPA since its formation in September 2007 and was previously a Director, and then Chairman, of the predecessor organisation Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Co-Operative.

As Chairman and an active industry participant, Mr Adams has played a key role in the transition of the organisation, from a statutory authority focused on resources and development investment, to a broader industry-owned services company.

Ric Sinclair, FWPA’s Managing Director, said his colleague’s departure from the Board came a year earlier than expected due to a requirement in the company’s Constitution that at least a third of directors must retire each year.

This year, John Simon and John McNamara complete their first three-year term on the Board and both have expressed their interest in seeking renomination.

One additional director is required to stand down early to meet the “one-third requirement”, and Mr Adams volunteered to retire early. He will have completed the maximum of three consecutive terms as specified in the Constitution.

“Ron has had a seminal influence on the establishment of the company and its ongoing evolution,” Mr Sinclair said.

“He has had a tireless focus on aligning the company to stakeholder interests and ensuring best practice corporate governance. There is no doubt that he has left an indelible mark on the company,” he added.

“On a personal note, I would like to thank Ron for his support and invaluable mentorship during my time with FWPA.”

Mr Adams will continue in his role as Managing Director of Wespine Industries Pty Ltd, a major softwood sawmilling business; and in other roles as director the Australian Forest Products Association, member of the Forest Industries Advisory Committee, and as trustee of J.W. Gottstein Memorial Trust.

He holds an associateship in mechanical engineering, is a graduate of the Harvard Business School International Advanced Management Program, and a Foundation Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr Adams will continue to be a Director and Chair of FWPA until 12 November 2015.