New Board Appointments At Forest Research

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NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS AT FOREST RESEARCH

Rotorua-based Forest Research has recently announced the appointment of three new members to its Board including Chairperson, Brian Armstrong. Brian is well known in his current role as chairperson of the kiwifruit industry's commercial arm, Zespri International Ltd. He has considerable experience in international business, including directorships, a private investment consultancy and his own entrepreneurial ventures. With three science and commerce degrees, Brian has held a number of management positions including executive roles within the Fletcher Group of companies and a long association with Tasman Automotive Industries where he was General Manager before purchasing the business in 1980. As well as chairing Forest Research and Zespri, he also heads Althenberry Holdings Ltd, an unlisted public company involved in forestry, deer avocados and kiwifruit. He also retains a number of private company Directorships in areas as diverse as bookselling, exotic mushroom manufacturing, portfolio investment and property development. Brian's achievements have not been confined to the business arena; he was a soccer representative for both Auckland and New Zealand during the late 60's and early 70's.

Joining Brian Armstrong on the Forest Research Board are Auckland-based Directors, Bryce Whitcher and Jane Muir. A graduate of Victoria University, Bryce Whitcher spent 8 years in the oil industry with BP based in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom before joining the marketing group of Tasman Pulp and Paper in 1982. He has since held various management positions within Tasman including a four year-stint with Tasman Chile, stationed in Santiago, before moving up to Managing Director of Tasman Pulp and Paper in 1997. He presently leads Fletcher Challenge Papers' Knowledge Management activities and brings a vast amount of pulp and paper sector experience to Forest Research.

With degrees in forestry science and commerce, Jane Muir has a special interest and background in the forestry sector. Currently a director and principal of Corporate Finance Ltd, a chartered accounting firm specialising in business valuation, insolvency and litigation support. Jane is presently completing, part-time, an LLB (Hons) at the University of Auckland. Jane is a former partner of Spicer and Oppenheim and was appointed as a director of the former Forestry Corporation of New Zealand in 1994 prior to its sale to Fletcher Challenge in 1996.

ENDS....

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