Our People
TIMBERLANDS draws on a solid foundation of knowledge and experience in the forestry industry. The combined expertise of our carefully selected Senior Leadership team covers the full spectrum of forest management including forest information, forest establishment, tending, harvesting, log manufacturing, marketing of logs and residues, as well as financial reporting, health & safety, environmental and compliance services. Many of our people have spent their working life in forestry and are recognised as experts in their field. TIMBERLANDS Limited employs approx 150 staff and manages approximately 1,000 contractors.
OUR SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
RYAN CAVANAGHChief Executive OfficerPh.D Chemical Engineering, |
Ryan joined our team as CEO in 2020 bringing global leadership experience along with his trademark energy and commitment to developing people, culture and high-performance outcomes. |
Pauline is our Chief Financial Officer at Timberlands and leads the financial management of accounts receivable, accounts payable, treasury, taxation, audit, insurance, and management accounting for all business units. |
PAULINE VAN DEN KERKHOFChief Financial OfficerChartered Accountant & Member of the CAANZ |
DEAN WITEHIRAChief Operations OfficerBForSc (Hons), University of Canterbury |
Dean is our Chief Operations Officer and has worked in and around the Kaingaroa Forest Estate for over 35 years. Dean started his career as a forestry worker while still at school and now leads the Genetics, Tree Crop, Harvesting and Marketing operations. |
Colin joined Timberlands in 2003 and is a recognised forest industry expert in the disciplines of sustainability and forest operational management. |
COLIN MAUNDERGeneral Manager SustainabilityBachelor of Forestry Science |
IAN BARRETT, GM OHS Partnering
Ian leads safety initiatives and compliance for Timberlands to manage risk and prevent injuries and harm inside our forest supply chain. He works closely with our people, frontline leaders, and forestry sector agencies.
Prior to joining the Senior Leadership Team at Timberlands, he was the National Environment, Health & Safety Manager for Fletcher Construction. He has worked for several large-scale, high-risk industries, including oil and gas, construction, manufacturing and the primary sector.
Ian is deeply passionate about keeping our kaimahi sfe and supoorting frontline leadership.
HAZOP Leader Graduate Dip OHS, Massey University NZ,
NZ Institute of Safety Management,
Worley Parsons New Zealand CEO Award
KRISHAN TOPIWALA, GM People, Culture & Transformation
Krishan has over 10 years’ experience in design and delivery of transformative people strategies to support business growth. Prior to joining Timberlands, Krishan held human resource positions across a range of industries including government, shipping, aviation, and professional services in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and New Zealand. Krishan has a LL.B from the University of Reading, UK.
IAN HINTON, GM Strategy & Innovation
Ian has over 30 years of industry experience with a career focus in resource modelling, forest valuation, research and development (R&D) and land management. Ian currently leads the team responsible for managing TL’s strategic planning, R&D, valuations, and resource management as well as leading our digital transformation. Ian has a BForSc (Hons) from the University of Canterbury, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from University of Waikato and is a member of the NZ Institute of Forestry.
STUART HICKMAN, Group Legal Counsel
Prior to joining Timberlands in 2017, Stuart held legal positions in both private practice and inhouse. Stuart has broad experience in the property, commercial, and environmental law fields. Stuart has an MA(hons) and LLB from The University of Auckland.