Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has today appointed Ian Blanden as it’s new Head of Research, Development & Extension (RD&E).
Mr Blanden – who will replace Dr Chris Lafferty, FWPA’s long-time Head of Research, has more than 35 years in plantation and natural forest management – having served as General Manager of Stora Enso Guangxi, where he helped establish the supply chain for the Beihai Mill, as well as in leadership positions for Gunns Plantations Ltd and North Forest Products in Tasmania.
“I’m excited to be joining FWPA and contributing to the important work of driving innovation and progress in the forestry sector. I share FWPA’s vision to grow the entire industry’s value, to deliver transformative RD&E initiatives and market development programs that drive growth in the Australian forest and wood products industry.”
Ian Blanden, the FWPA new Head of Research, Development & Extension (RD&E)
According to Andrew Leighton, FWPA’s CEO, Mr Blanden’s background and leadership in sustainable forestry practices align with the FWPA’s goals to advance research and development across the total forest and wood products supply chain.
“His commercial experience and commitment to stakeholder engagement will greatly support our work in developing and supporting research, development and extension activities with tangible outcomes and benefits for our members and the wider industry, including new tools and information to improve productivity and mitigate risk,” Mr Leighton said.
Mr Blanden will commence in the role on April 22nd 2025, allowing a thorough handover period with the outgoing Head of R&D, Dr Chris Lafferty, who will retire from the role in June 2025 – where he will also remain as FWPA’s company secretary.
The announcement weeks comes after the FWPA announced the signing of a new Statutory Funding Agreement with the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) that went into effect from January 1st 2025 to 2034.
- To learn more about Forest & Wood Products Australia and its Statutory Funding Agreement with the Australian Government, click here for more information.
