Victor Violante
Australian Forest Products Association NSW has appointed Victor Violante as its new CEO. Mr Violante has been Deputy CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association for the past year. He replaces Sue Grau. Source: Timberbiz
The chairman of AFPA NSW Steve Dadd said Mr Violante had been at the forefront of AFPA’s national advocacy for more than five years.
Prior to joining AFPA in 2016, Mr Violante held senior roles as a political adviser in policy and communications, and as a journalist.
“Victor is well known to the industry and all sides of politics, and his track record of delivering for our industry at a national level puts him in good stead to continue to deliver for AFPA NSW members,” Mr Dadd said.
Mr Violante said he was looking forward to the new role.
“This is an exciting time for AFPA NSW and our state’s modern, sustainable forest industries which are ideally placed to play a key role in NSW’s net zero emissions future,” he said.
“Forest industries are a vital industry in NSW, employing 21,000 people across the value chain and adding $8 billion of economic activity annually. Our timber plantations replant more than 20 million trees every year, and our sustainably manage native forests are continuously regenerated to deliver the best climate change mitigation outcomes.
“From the top of the state in Lismore and Kyogle down to Narooma and Eden, and everywhere in between in towns such as Tumut, Tumbarumba, Oberon and Bathurst, our forest industries are a key part of our community. AFPA NSW is there to ensure their voice is heard in the NSW Parliament and the sector’s vital role is recognised and supported.”
Mr Dadd also thanked outgoing CEO Ms Grau for helping get AFPA NSW established.
“Sue recently decided that, due to COVID related issues, she would prioritise family matters and vacate the position. She departs with the thanks and best wishes of all the AFPA NSW members,” Mr Dadd said.
