Chief Executive Officer

• Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA)
• Lead Australia’s peak forest products industry body at a critical moment for the sector
• Canberra | Remuneration negotiable

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 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 Chief Executive Officer who can lead with authority, advocate with credibility, and position the sector for long-term strength.

The role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer leads AFPA’s national advocacy, policy, and stakeholder engagement. The CEO provides strategic and operational leadership to a small, high-performing team of 16 people. They drive AFPA’s policy positions across government and industry, and serves as the public face and principal spokesperson for the forest products sector.

The CEO is responsible for setting and delivering the industry’s strategic direction, working closely with the Board, members, state branches and affiliated organisations. The role requires deep engagement with federal and state governments, related industry bodies, environmental groups, and the media to advance the interests of the sector and protect members’ ability to operate.

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 CEO must be capable of advocating with confidence across all of these fronts, reading the political and stakeholder environment with sophistication, and shaping the industry’s agenda with clarity and conviction.

AFPA has four state branches in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania and works closely with affiliated representative groups in WA and QLD. The CEO must be skilled at building positive relationships with staff, members and key industry stakeholders to deliver a coherent and effective national advocacy position for the whole industry.

The person
The successful candidate will bring a track record of senior executive leadership within a peak body, government agency, or complex industry organisation. The ability to navigate government relations, lead high-stakes advocacy, and represent an industry publicly and credibly across media and government forums are core requirements.

Experience in or adjacent to the forestry, agriculture, natural resources, or land use sectors would be highly regarded, as would familiarity with the federal and state policy landscape relevant to Australian forest industries. Demonstrated successful experience managing a membership-based organisation is preferred.

AFPA’s team is small, focused, and driven. The incoming CEO will set the tone for AFPA’s workplace culture where psychological safety, strong leadership, transparency, and a focus on employee well-being will be performance measures. The CEO will bring both the strategic credentials to lead the sector’s advocacy agenda and the leadership character to build a cohesive, high-performing organisation.

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 Emma Alberici via email publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or call 02 9223 1855 quoting reference number: 34541.

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.