The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has appointed Victor Violante to the new role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer after more than 4 years in the organisation.
Mr Violante has held the position of Senior Policy Manager for the past 4 ½ years, looking after AFPA’s Hardwood Processing Chamber as well as native forestry policy, bushfire management, and export regulations.
AFPA Chief Executive Officer Ross Hampton congratulated Mr Violante on the new role, which comes at an exciting time for AFPA.
“AFPA has created the new role of Deputy CEO to reflect AFPA’s increasing influence in national policy, and our growth in membership and ties to the newly established industry representative arrangements in Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria, and soon NSW,” Mr Hampton said.
“During his time as Senior Policy Manager, Mr Violante has been an integral part of several major policy wins for our renewable forest industries, including the extension of the Regional Forest Agreements, the recognition of the impact of the Black Summer bushfires on our forest industries, and the participation of forestry plantations in the Climate Solutions Fund. I am confident that he will help AFPA continue to grow as a highly effective voice for our renewable industries across the value chain and across the nation.”
Prior to joining AFPA in 2016, Mr Violante held senior roles as a political adviser in policy and communications, and as a journalist.
Mr Violante said he looked forward to taking on more responsibility for AFPA’s strategic direction in partnership with AFPA’s Board, membership, and state colleagues.
“This is an exciting time for Australia’s forest industries, as the world turns to renewable, carbon-friendly solutions – and AFPA’s advocacy and influence is vital to ensure our industries benefit from this shift,” Mr Violante said.
“I look forward to playing a greater leadership role in AFPA’s important work of ensuring Australia’s decision makers recognise the essential role of our renewable forest industries in our communities, environment, and economic growth,” Mr Violante concluded.
The original media release is here: Media Release – AFPA appoints new Deputy Chief Executive Officer