New FWPA director brings supply chain focus

The Board of Forest and Wood Products Australia Limited (FWPA) has invited John Simon, CEO of Simmonds Lumber Group, to fill a casual vacancy following the resignation of Jim Snelson.
“We would like to thank Jim for his valuable contributions to FWPA,” says Mr Ron Adams, FWPA’s Chairman. “He has been with the Board for three and half years and his strategic and business acumen have added immensely to the development of the company’s R&D investment and generic promotion activities.”
FWPA is the industry’s service company that delivers R&D investments, generic marketing and standards coordination for the benefit of its stakeholders, including the Commonwealth Government. The company’s vision is to ensure that forest and wood products are the preferred, sustainable material that meets the Australian market needs.
Jim was Chair of the FWPA Board’s committee for promotions, services and communications and was previously Chair of the Board’s audit and finance committee. He resigned his directorship early in his second three-year term so he could concentrate on his new role as CEO of Borg Industries.
John will begin his official role as a FWPA director from 1 March. John has previously had a strong involvement with FWPA as a member of the Market Access and Development Advisory Group and he has more than 25 years’ experience in the Australian wood products sector.
After completing his Masters in timber engineering, John worked in timber research at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa. Since arriving in Australia 25 years ago, he has been the Managing Director of Sterlands, the largest timber frame and truss producer in Australia; CEO of national timber distributor, Pine Solutions; Managing Director of merchant and retailer, Hudson Building Supplies; and, Chairman of the Timber Development Association for 10 years.
Currently he is a Director of the Australian Timber Importers Association and is a member of the Housing Industry Association’s Manufacturers and Suppliers Council. He is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
“I really look forward to working with FWPA and its Board,” says John. “I had the opportunity to participate in the FWPA industry summit last week and it was great to see the contribution FWPA has already made to the industry. I am excited to be involved in the future direction of the company.”
One third of FWPA’s directors are elected each year at the annual general meeting (AGM) and a call for nominations for directors will be advertised in May. FWPA’s AGM will be held on 17 October in Gympie in conjunction with the biannual conference of the Australian Forest Growers.