The first virtual AGM for Forest Wood Products Australia (FWPA) was recently held with business proceeding smoothly and a wide attendance of members from across the forest and wood products supply chain.
Following the retirement of incumbent chair John Simon, Craig Taylor of The Fifth Estate Consultancy was elected chair by his fellow directors at the first board meeting following the AGM. Taylor has extensive experience providing strategy, business development and investment advice to businesses in the resources and primary production sectors and has worked with some of Australia and New Zealand’s largest forest and wood products companies.
“I had the good fortune to serve on the FWPA board under the leadership of previous chairs Ron Adams and John Simon, and plan to use that experience to help continue the important work of FWPA,” Taylor said. “I look forward to working with my fellow directors and industry stakeholders on the upcoming independent performance review and the review of our strategic plan, so that we can continue to provide relevant and effective services to the industry and the Government.”
Jim Henneberry, chair of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee, and Brian Farmer, chair of the Growers Research Advisory Committee also departed the board following the AGM.
Ric Sinclair, FWPA’s managing director, acknowledged the work of the outgoing chair and board members: “Each has played an instrumental role in helping to drive countless FWPA successes and achievements. Their work has made a lasting, tangible and hugely positive impact on the forest and wood products industry, and we thank them for it.”
During the AGM proceedings, members re-elected Christine Briggs to the board, and Nick Roberts, previously an FWPA Director from 2009 to 2012, was elected.
“We are delighted to welcome Nick back to the Board, and congratulate Christine on her re-election,” said Sinclair. “Both bring invaluable skills and knowledge to the table.”
