Nick Steel
The Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) has announced the appointment of Nick Steel as its first Chief Executive Officer. He has been the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Policy Manager at the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association for the past decade. Source: Timberbiz
Tasmanian Forest Products Association chairman Bryan Hayes said the industry was delighted to have attracted a person with Mr Steel’s experience and reputation to lead the TFPA in its role as the peak representative body in the forest industry in Tasmania.
He said Mr Steel has had long-term experience within a membership-based organisation in dealing with land and resource use issues which are highly compatible with this role.
“He brings very finely-honed advocacy, lobby and policy development skills which ideally suit him for the role at TFPA,” Mr Hayes said.
The TFPA has been formed to unify the Tasmanian forest industry into a single policy organisation to better reflect the diversity of businesses that now make up the industry and encompasses the native forest sector and the plantation business that have flourished in the post MIS environment.
“I’m not only honoured to take on this role, but excited about the prospects of the Tasmanian forest industry,” Mr Steel said.
“There is no doubt I have big shoes to fill with Terry Edwards who has been the face of forestry for some time. I will bring a different style and approach but understand that TFPA is a member-based organisation with one of its roles to develop a forward-looking sustainable forest industry.”
Australian Forest Products Association CEO Ross Hampton said TFPA would work closely with the Australian Forest Products Association on growing the industry in Tasmania.
“The forest products industry is a major contributor to Tasmania’s economy and a major employer, and it needs to continue to have a representative of the highest pedigree,” Mr Hampton said.
“Nick fits that bill. I congratulate him on his appointment, and I look forward to working with him.”
Mr Hampton has also paid tribute to Terry Edwards, the outgoing Chief Executive of the Forest Industries Association of Tasmania (FIAT), which is being replaced by the TFPA.
“Terry and FIAT championed forestry in Tasmania for many years and I want to thank him for his work,” Mr Hampton said.
Mr Steel will begin new role on Monday.
