New Forests Appoints Sam Rorabaugh Global Head of Investments
Investment manager New Forests appointed Sam Rorabaugh as Global Head of Investments. He will oversee the firm's global investment platform, including its regional teams in Asia, and manage the Global Landscape Opportunities strategy for natural capital.
New Global Investment Leadership
New Forests, an investment manager focused on natural capital, named Sam Rorabaugh as its new Global Head of Investments. This appointment sees Mr. Rorabaugh take leadership across the firm's global investment platform. He will also work with regional investment teams, which include operations in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and Asia.
Mr. Rorabaugh will continue in his current role as Regional Director of Investments for North America concurrently with his new global responsibilities. David Shelton, whom Mr. Rorabaugh replaces, will now focus entirely on his position as Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, and on New Forests' overall global growth plans.
Michelle Elliot, Executive Director, Global Funds Management at New Forests, stated that Mr. Rorabaugh brings strong investment experience and a collaborative approach.
Global Landscape Opportunities Strategy
A key part of Mr. Rorabaugh's new role involves the Global Landscape Opportunities strategy, which New Forests recently launched. This strategy represents the firm's first global natural capital offering. It will direct investment across several sectors: forestry, agriculture, associated processing facilities, and infrastructure.
Additionally, the strategy includes investments in complementary markets such as carbon and biodiversity. Since joining New Forests in 2020, Mr. Rorabaugh has led the North American investment team.
He has also supported investment activities across New Forests' regional teams and contributed to global investment and business development efforts, including capital-raising initiatives and transaction support.
Impact and Background
David Shelton contributed to many of New Forests' investments in forestry, agriculture, and related infrastructure and processing. He also developed the firm's investment platform through his leadership and technical expertise. Mr. Shelton stated that Mr. Rorabaugh has developed a strong understanding of New Forests' investment approach.
He also noted Mr. Rorabaugh's significant contributions across the company's business operations. Mr. Shelton added that he looks forward to collaborating with Mr. Rorabaugh as natural capital becomes a recognized asset class, helping more investors understand its importance in their portfolios.
Ms. Elliot further commented that Mr. Rorabaugh has built relationships with external investors and internal regional investment teams.
Consequence for Asian Building Materials
For building material procurement directors and specifiers in Asia, this leadership change at New Forests shows a continued focus on natural capital investments, including forestry and related processing infrastructure.
The Global Landscape Opportunities strategy, which includes Asia in its regional scope, indicates potential for increased investment in sustainable timber sourcing and processing within the region. This could lead to expanded availability of certified wood products and other bio-based materials.
Buyers should monitor New Forests' investment activities in Asia for new supply chain partners or expanded capacities that align with sustainable sourcing requirements for projects.
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