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 information, forest establishment, tending, harvesting, log manufacturing, marketing of logs and wood chips, as well as financial reporting 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 145 staff and manages approximately 800 contractors.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
RYAN CAVANAGHChief Executive OfficerPh.D Chemical Engineering, |
Ryan is Timberlands’ CEO. He joined the team in 2020, bringing global leadership experience, his trademark energy, and his 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 the COO for Timberlands and has worked in and around the Kaingaroa Forest Estate for over 35 years. He started his career as a forestry worker while still at school. Dean leads Genetics, Tree Crop, Harvesting and Marketing Operations.Dean has extensive experience in managing large-scale commercial forests, high-risk environments, the marketing and sale of log produce, harvesting & and distribution, tree crop investment, tree improvement and nursery operations.Developing people and relationships is central to how Dean builds safety awareness and forest productivity at Timberlands.His previous work includes being a director and shareholder of Timberlands Limited and Timberlands Pacific, Australia. Dean is currently the Vice President of the NZ Forest Owners Executive, Chairman for Forest Genetics and is a Director of Forest Growers Research.Ko whakapapa ia ki te Tai Tokerau. Tana Iwi ko Ngapuhi me Ngai Tawake te hapu. Tana ingoa whanau ko Whautere Witehira no Mataraua, Kaikohe. |
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 |
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.
IAN BARRETT, GM OHS Partnering
Bio to come.
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