CONFOR SEEKS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor) has announced it is to seek the appointment of a new chief executive.

The move follows the decision by David Crichton to accept an appointment with the Economist Group as Director of Country and Economic Research within its highly regarded Intelligence Unit.
Revealing the departure decision ConFor Chairman, Tony Willis, commented:

"Naturally we are disappointed to lose the services of David. He has worked tirelessly and successfully to establish ConFor as the united voice of the private sector forestry industry across the country. Under his leadership we have attained a degree of credibility, authority, and recognition at the highest level of influence never before achieved."

He added:

"David leaves us in a strong position to pursue our goals of growing the market for timber products, influencing government policy and providing improved services for our members. He goes with our thanks for an excellent job in laying strong foundations on which ConFor can grow and flourish. We wish him every success in his new appointment."

David Crichton, an economist by profession, joined ConFor as Chief Executive in 2004. He had previously enjoyed a career as an independent economic consultant before joining Scottish Enterprise where he became Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, the largest in the network of local enterprise companies. He commented:

"It has been a privilege to lead the development of ConFor as the voice of one of the country's most strategically important industries. It has a key role to play in mitigating the impact of climate change, an issue of global importance. It also plays a substantial role in the economic welfare of the United Kingdom and has the potential for significant growth. I believe ConFor has already achieved a great deal in raising the profile of the industry, in identifying opportunities to grow the market and improving services to its members. I'm confident it will go from strength to strength. I wish to thank the Board and members of staff for their unstinting support."

David Crichton will take up his new appointment in August and ConFor will begin the process of appointing a successor with immediate effect.