Chair

• Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA)
• Lead the Board of Australia’s peak forest products industry body at a critical moment for the sector
• Located anywhere in Australia

Australia’s forest products industry contributes more than $24 billion annually to the national economy, directly employing around 80,000 people. The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) is the peak national industry body representing the people across that value chain – from sustainable harvesting of plantations and multiple use natural forests through to processing, manufacturing, pulp, paper and bioproducts. At a time of significant policy headwinds, housing demand, and best practise scrutiny, AFPA requires a Chair who can lead the board, build strong relationships with key stakeholders, understands the regulatory and political environment of peak body leadership and can position the sector for long-term strength.

The Role
The Chair leads the governance and strategic direction of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), working in close partnership with the CEO to advance the interests of the forest products sector.
The Chair presides over the Board, ensures effective governance, and supports the CEO to drive AFPA's policy positions across government and industry. The role requires active engagement with members, state branches and affiliated state associations, federal and state governments, and a broad network of industry and community stakeholders.

Australia's forest products industry is navigating a period of significant challenge and opportunity from the national housing crisis and growing demand for sustainably produced timber, to ongoing policy reform, land use debates, and the sector's role as a key climate change mitigator. The incoming Chair must be capable of providing confident, credible leadership across all of these fronts, supporting AFPA's advocacy agenda with clarity and conviction.
AFPA has branches in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania and works with affiliated organisations in QLD and WA. The Chair must be skilled at building consensus across a diverse membership while maintaining a coherent and effective national position.

The Person
The successful candidate will bring a track record of senior board leadership which may include experience in one or more of the following areas - corporate Australia, peak bodies, government agencies, or complex industry organisations. The ability to support and work in partnership with the CEO as they navigate government relations, high-stakes advocacy, and represent an industry publicly and credibly across government and industry forums are core requirements.

Experience in or adjacent to the forestry, agriculture, natural resources, or land use sectors would be highly regarded but not essential, as would familiarity with the federal and state policy landscape relevant to Australian forest industries. Demonstrated experience in board governance and engaging with a diverse membership base is essential.

The Chair will set the tone for an effective and cohesive Board. They will bring both the strategic perspective to guide the sector's advocacy agenda and the leadership character to build a productive partnership with the CEO and a high-performing organisation with a modern workplace culture.

How to apply
Candidate information: Please click on the "Additional Information" button to download a copy of the Candidate Information Pack. For more information, please contact Michelle Gardiner on email publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or call 02 9223 1855.

To apply: Please provide a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and a resume by the due date.

Applications close: 11.59PM on Sunday, 19 July 2026.