John Simon (left)
After eight years as a director, and five years as chairman, John Simon has advised that he plans to retire from the Forest and Wood Products board. Mr Simon said that next year FWPA would undertake a major refresh of its strategic direction, and that, in his view, it was important that the next chairman of the company leads this activity. Source: Timberbiz
Mr Simon was appointed as the chairman of FWPA in November 2015.
Some of the key achievements of FWPA in recent years include:
- The funding of numerous research projects to improve the productivity and profitability of the timber industry
- Changes in the national construction code which has made it easier for timber commercial structures to be built, and the formation of FWPA’s voluntarily funded mid-rise advisory team
- The WoodSolutions website which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary
- The successful launch of “The Ultimate Renewable” marketing campaign
- The ongoing partnership with Planet Ark and their “Make it Wood” program
- The establishment of the Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life at the University of Sunshine Coast
- The Forest Learning program targeting schoolteachers
“It has been a privilege and honour to lead the FWPA,” Mr Simon said.
“The many successes and achievements have only been possible with the dedicated work of our wonderful staff, ably led by Ric Sinclair.
This has particularly been the case in the past six months, with most of our team based in Victoria and working from home,” he said.
“I would also like to thank the directors of the company who have provided wise guidance and ensured that we have maintained high levels of corporate governance.
“In particular, I acknowledge the two retiring directors, Jim Henneberry and Brian Farmer.
“Jim has done an excellent job in his role as chair of our Audit & Finance committee, and Brian has successfully led the Growers Research Advisory Group in identifying future research priorities. The strong support that we have received from the Australian Government during my time as a director has also been much appreciated.”
FWPA’s AGM will be held via a Zoom conference at 4pm on 22 October 2020. Under the terms of its constitution the next FWPA chairman will be elected by directors at their first meeting following the AGM.
