Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Sustainable Timber Tasmania, a Tasmanian Government Business Enterprise responsible for managing over 812,000 hectares of Permanent Timber Production Zone land, has made a significant leadership announcement as the organisation prepares for its next phase of growth. The company is known for its commitment to sustainable forest management and its contribution to Tasmania’s forest industry.
Sustainable Timber Tasmania has confirmed that Chief Executive Officer Steve Whiteley will retire at the conclusion of his current term. Whiteley has dedicated more than 40 years of service to the organisation and the broader forest industry. His leadership has played a crucial role in guiding the company through a period of substantial transformation.
During his tenure, Mr Whiteley successfully navigated the challenges facing the forestry industry, ensuring the organisation remained on track to meet its sustainability goals. His strategic vision has positioned Sustainable Timber Tasmania for long-term success, and his commitment to responsible forest management has been a cornerstone of the organisation’s achievements.
In a statement, Rob de Fegely, Chair of Sustainable Timber Tasmania, expressed the Board’s deep gratitude for Whiteley’s leadership. “Chief Executive Officer Steve Whiteley will retire at the conclusion of his current term, following more than 40 years of dedicated service to Sustainable Timber Tasmania and the broader forest industry,” said Mr de Fegely. “During his tenure, Mr Whiteley has successfully guided the organisation through a period of significant transformation. His vision and commitment have been instrumental in positioning the organisation for long-term success. On behalf of the Board, I extend our sincere thanks for his outstanding contribution.”
To ensure continuity and strategic direction, the Board has appointed Mr Greg Hickey as Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective from July 1 2025. Mr Hickey is currently serving as the General Manager of Operations at Sustainable Timber Tasmania and brings a wealth of experience in Tasmania’s forest industry.
Having spent several years working with the organisation, Mr Hickey is exceptionally well-placed to lead the company during this transition period. His deep understanding of the business and its goals, combined with his proven leadership abilities, will provide stability as the Board undertakes a national recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Hickey’s appointment has been welcomed by the organisation. His role will be pivotal in maintaining the organisation’s momentum while the Board searches for a long-term leader who can take the company forward. The Board’s focus will remain on sustainability and providing value to the Tasmanian community.
With Mr Hickey at the helm, supported by the Executive Team, Sustainable Timber Tasmania is committed to ensuring a seamless leadership transition. The company remains focused on its core mission: managing Tasmania’s public production forests in a way that delivers sustainable outcomes for the environment, local communities, and the broader industry.
The leadership change comes at a time when Sustainable Timber Tasmania is enjoying strong momentum in its operations. The organisation is focused on continuing its vital role in Tasmania’s forest industry while adhering to the principles of sustainability that are central to its business practices.
Sustainable Timber Tasmania has made significant strides in the responsible management of the state’s timber resources, and the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship is unwavering. The leadership change will not disrupt the company’s operations; instead, it will help steer the organisation through the next phase of growth, with an emphasis on strategic initiatives that align with the long-term vision for Tasmania’s forests.
Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s legacy of responsible forestry practices, combined with the leadership of Mr Hickey, ensures the company is well-positioned to continue its critical role in Tasmania’s timber industry. The company’s work is vital not only to the local economy but also to the preservation of Tasmania’s rich natural environment.
As Mr Hickey steps into the role of Acting CEO, the organisation remains focused on its commitment to sustainable timber production and forest management. This leadership update demonstrates the organisation’s dedication to maintaining high standards of performance and its ongoing contribution to Tasmania’s forestry industry.
Sustainable Timber Tasmania enters this new chapter with strong momentum and a clear vision for the future. The leadership transition is an important milestone for the company as it continues to provide value to the Tasmanian community. The Board’s search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer will ensure that the organisation is equipped with the leadership needed to meet future challenges and opportunities.
Under the continued leadership of Greg Hickey, Sustainable Timber Tasmania will stay true to its mission of promoting sustainable outcomes for Tasmania’s public production forests. The Board remains confident that the organisation will continue to thrive and grow, contributing positively to Tasmania’s forestry industry and its sustainable development goals.
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Tags: CEO (Chief Executive Officer), CEO Steve Whiteley, Greg Hickey, Greg Hickey as Acting CEO, Steve Whiteley, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, Sustainable Timber Tasmania CEO, Sustainable Timber Tasmania leadership, woodworking industry
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