Timber Queensland appoints new Chief Executive Officer

Peak industry body Timber Queensland today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Mick Stephens as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective mid-March 2016.

Retiring CEO Rod McInnes welcomed the appointment of Mick Stephens as his successor saying his background will absolutely complement the Board’s vision for the future of the Association.

Mr McInnes said that after a rigorous executive search the Board’s choice was based on Mr Stephens having the most suitable blend of expertise, experience and passion to lead Timber Queensland during the next chapter of its journey.

“Mr Stephens formal qualifications in Forestry and Economics, extensive industry involvement and previous Government experience along with his track record working with member-based organisations made him the ideal candidate to lead Timber Queensland into the future,” said Mr McInnes.

Mr Stephens will be leaving his position as Deputy CEO at the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) to lead Timber Queensland.

Chief Executive Officer of the AFPA Mr Ross Hampton said, “Mr Stephens has directly served the interests of the forest industries of Australia for many years, firstly through the National Association of Forest Industries and for the last five years in senior roles at AFPA. Mr Stephens has played an important part in major policy debates and contributed significantly to our successes.”

Mr Stephens will be moving to Queensland to take up this important leadership position heading the State Association, which is a member of AFPA, with our goodwill and best wishes. As the national Association, AFPA works collaboratively with all the State Associations, including Queensland, and this will continue."

“I am very much looking forward to taking up this important position and working with the Board to further promote the opportunities for the Queensland timber industry. There is great potential to further grow and add value to the States’ forest products industry and this will be an important priority going forward,” Mr Stephens said.