FSC® AustraliaForest Stewardship Council Australia

Providing sub-regional services to New Zealand

MEDIA RELEASE

FSC Australia announce new CEO, Sara Gipton.

Tuesday 3rd October 2017: The Board of Australia’s leading forest certification organisation, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC Australia), are excited to annouce and welcome Sara Gipton as the incoming CEO effective from the 25th of Septem-ber. Sara will be leading FSC Australia in the delivery of its 2015-2020 Strategic plan with The FSC Australia Board.

FSC Australia is a registered charity and national office of the global non-government, non-profit organisation FSC International. FSC Australia nationally promotes responsible forest management practices through multi-stakeholder standard setting and an internationally recognised certification labelling program.

FSC Australia’s 5-year plan outlines our vision for ‘Healthy forests supporting healthy communities’. The 5-year plan has a number of key outcomes that aim to deliver on standards development, stakeholder en-gagement, increased brand recognition, advocacy and membership growth. Our mission in 2017 is to make ‘FSC valued and respected by stakeholders.’

Announcing the appointment, FSC Australia Chair Ms. Susie Russell commented “Last year we ended a chapter in our 2020 strategic plan, moving from our short-term outcome 'to make FSC publicly visible and known' and into the medium term phase ‘to make FSC valued and respected by stakeholders’. Sara brings the necessary qualifications and experience now required in the role to achieve our new strategic focus.”

Sara is a passionate and recognised leader in climate change policy, carbon markets and corporate sus-tainability. Her previous works includes advice to Boards & Executives, scenario testing and risk assess-ments. She is known for her values driven leadership, her strong focus on relationships and the quality of the outcomes she delivers. 

Russell added, “Under Sara’s leadership, FSC Australia will focus on; diversifying its membership, engaging stakeholders across the supply chain, and empowering consumers to use their purchasing power.”

Media Release: 3rd October 2017 1 of 2

Responsible Forest Management Australia Limited t/as FSC Australia FSC® F000201

Melbourne: Level 1, 458 Lonsdale St, Carlton, Victoria 3051 T (03) 9329 9984 http://au.fsc.org

Auckland: Level 3, 10 Customs Street East, Auckland 1010 http://nz.fsc.org

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Sara is an expert for the Australian carbon market, corporate disclosure and the complex workings of car-bon legislation. Sara’s previous roles include CEO of Greenfleet whose operations she transformed into a highly respected leader in the carbon abatement industry.

Gipton was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2011 and she holds degrees in Science (Hons), Master of Social Science (Environmental Policy), is a Chartered Accountant and a recent graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Director’s Course. Sara has also attended leadership programs at Harvard Univer-sity’s Kennedy School and Cambridge University Institute of Sustainability Professionals.

FSC Australia will continue to bring together people with economic, social and environmental interests in forests to drive improved practices and shift the global forest trend towards conservation, restoration and respect for all. The voice of responsible forestry is impactful and needed more than ever to navigate the worldwide challenges of deforestation and climate change. Under Gipton’s direction, FSC Australia will con-tinue to pursue its vision, to be the trusted brand for "Healthy forests supporting healthy communities".

-ENDS-

Media enquiries: 03 9329 9984 / info@au.fsc.org

About FSC Australia: FSC Australia is a National Office of FSC International. It ensures that the voice of Australian stakeholders are heard internationally through its membership in creating the standards and promoting the scheme. In Australia 1.25 m hectares of forests have been certified to full FSC Forest Management standards.

About FSC International: The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a global market-based eco-label that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests through standard setting and certification of both timber and non-timber forest products. As a not-for-profit membership-based organisation with three equal chambers - environmental, social and economic - FSC’s forest management standards are developed by way of consensus to ensure that environmental, social and economic needs are balanced. Globally the FSC has certified more than 194 million hectares of natural and plantation forests in more than 80 countries with just over 1,470 certified forest managers.

Media Release: 3rd October 2017 2 of 2

Responsible Forest Management Australia Limited t/as FSC Australia FSC® F000201

Melbourne: Level 1, 458 Lonsdale St, Carlton, Victoria 3051 T (03) 9329 9984 http://au.fsc.org

Auckland: Level 3, 10 Customs Street East, Auckland 1010 http://nz.fsc.org