Mr White has held senior roles in a range of trade associations, and prior to joining the TTF was director of the Federation of Bakers. He is leaving the Federation to take up the position of chief executive of BACTA, the amusement machine industry association.
"It’s an exciting new opportunity for me, but for a number of reasons I also feel the time is right to pass on the role at the TTF to someone new," said Mr White.
During his time at the Federation, the TTF has expanded its membership, developed its lobbying activities and, in a key move, made its Responsible Purchasing Policy obligatory for members to ensure timber is purchased from environmentally sound and legal sources. It has also played a key role in the development of the Timber Industry Accord Group of associations, designed to promote cross-sector co-operation, which has now led to proposals for a new single umbrella body, the Confederation of the Timber Industry (CTI).
"Thanks to members’ sheer hard work, the TTF has achieved a tremendous amount in reinforcing the industry’s environmental credentials and, on the supply side, has never been better placed reputationally," said Mr White. "By embedding the RPP we were also better able to help shape and implement the EU Timber Regulation."
In recent years, he added, the sector has also built bridges and improved communications with decision makers in key customer sectors, notably construction, significantly enhancing its market potential.
"We are now at a point where I believe our industry is entering a golden age for timber and its representational structure is also set to develop positively," he said. "It’s an opportunity that is right for a fresh pair of hands at the TTF to grasp and also comes at a time that is right for me personally to develop professionally with a new challenge."
TTF president Stephen King paid tribute to Mr White.
"During his time at the TTF we have seen membership double and due diligence placed at the heart of the industry landscape," he said. "The profile of the industry at both government and European level has also been raised. We owe him a debt of gratitude."
Mr White said he would also be sad to leave the Federation.
"It is a fantastic industry and in the TTF has an incredibly talented and professional team of people which it’s been a privilege to be part of," he said.
