John Kissock takes on new role

Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Forest Industries Advisory Board (SFIAB) have appointed John Kissock as chairman of the Industry Advisory Group. He succeeds Bob Stubbs who has been chair since 2008.

Mr Kissock has more than 35 years’ experience in the industry and as managing director of James Jones & Sons Ltd he successfully introduced new technology to drive innovation within the sector. He was awarded an OBE in 2005 for services to forestry.

He said he was pleased to be asked to be SFIAB chairman, not least because remained committed the development of the forestry industry.

“At a time when the world faces considerable challenges relating to climate change, the forest and timber industries, which encompass the growing, harvesting and wood-processing sectors, offer some unique and sustainable long-term solutions. The SFIAB can play a leading role in finding new and innovative ways of building on Scotland’s unique strengths and, by working together, we can ensure that the industry can realise its full potential in contributing to the growth of the wider Scottish economy.”

The Scottish Forest Industries Advisory Board was established following the Government’s review of Scottish Enterprise in autumn 2007. Other members of the SFIAB are: Alex Brownlie, BSW Timber; Tom Bruce Jones, James Jones & Sons Ltd; Steve Lavery, UPM Tilhill; Colin Mann, Scottish Woodlands Ltd; Fergus Tickell, Northern Energy Developments Ltd; Dr Ed Suttie, BRE; George Webb, Norbord Ltd; Dr Bob McIntosh, Forestry Commission Scotland; Stuart Goodall, ConFor; Margaret Watson, Scottish Enterprise; Audrey McIver and Elaine Hanton, Highlands and Islands Enterprise.