FWPA Appoints Dr. O'Reilly-Wapstra CEO, Starts December 1

New Chief Executive for Australia's Wood Industry Body

Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has appointed Dr. Julianne O'Reilly-Wapstra as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2026. The FWPA Board confirmed the appointment on Friday, September 18, 2026, concluding a search that began in April. Dr. O'Reilly-Wapstra will take over from Andrew Leighton, who departed from the role in June.

FWPA operates as a not-for-profit industry services company, dedicated to investing in research and development to expand the market for forest and wood products within Australia.

Extensive Research and Industry Experience

Dr. O'Reilly-Wapstra brings 26 years of experience spanning research, industry, and government sectors, with a proven record of translating research findings into commercial applications. She currently serves as the Dean of Natural Sciences and a professor of forest sciences at the University of Tasmania.

A 2004 Gottstein Fellow, her academic background includes a PhD from the University of Tasmania, focusing on the genetic basis of blue gum's resistance to browsing marsupials. Her prior leadership roles include chairing the Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network and directing the ARC Training Centre for Forest Value.

She also played a key role in securing US$101.5 million in federal funding to establish Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI).

Driving Wood Product Innovation and Standards

In her new capacity, Dr. O'Reilly-Wapstra will relocate from Tasmania to Melbourne to oversee FWPA's comprehensive national programs. These initiatives encompass research, development, and extension, alongside the organization's efforts in market promotion and the establishment of industry standards.

FWPA's strategic priorities aim to foster growth and innovation across the Australian forest and wood products sector, ensuring that research directly supports industry needs and market expansion.

Implications for Asian Wood Product Sourcing

Asian manufacturers and specifiers involved with wood products should track FWPA's research and development outcomes.

Changes in Australian wood product standards or new material innovations, particularly those supported by the US$101.5 million federal funding for Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), could influence future material specifications or import requirements for timber, panels, and finished goods entering Asian markets.

This may necessitate adjustments in product development or sourcing strategies for projects across Asia, impacting decisions for furniture, flooring, and interior fit-out materials.