Jul 30, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Forestry Tasmania (FT) appoints Steve Whiteley as the organisation’s new CEO. Mr Whiteley, who was previously FT’s Chief Operating Officer, has been Acting CEO since Bob Gordon’s departure in May. Mr Whiteley’s appointment begins today, as FT said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Bob Annells, Chairman of Forestry Tasmania, said the Board had commissioned a comprehensive executive search for the new CEO and had carefully considered a wide range of interstate candidates with impressive credentials.

“However, Steve Whiteley stood out. Mr Whiteley’s combination of experience and personal qualities made him the best candidate to lead FT through the extremely challenging times ahead.

“FT has been through an extraordinarily difficult period and, while many of the uncertainties have now been resolved, the challenges remaining are substantial and varied and will require a particularly deft hand."

Mr Whiteley, who has a forestry degree from the University of Melbourne, joined FT as a forester in 1985. He has worked across the state in positions including District Forest Manager for the Derwent District and General Manager Operations.

Forestry Tasmania is a forest management corporation established by an Act of Parliament and wholly owned by the Government of Tasmania, Australia.