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.”

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 1st 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.

“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 Wednesday 17th October in Gympie in conjunction with the biannual conference of the Australian Forest Growers.