27 August 2020
OneFortyOne Plantations announced this week that Linda Sewell has announced her resignation as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective 28 August, 2020. In a statement released from the Board of Directors, it states that the news comes with regret but also great respect and support for Linda in her decision. After nearly eight years of demanding hard work, a challenging pace and thoughtful leadership of the Company, Linda has determined it is time for her to embark on a new journey.
Linda joined OFO in April, 2013, soon after the purchase of the forest estate owned by ForestrySA in South Australia and Victoria, as the first independent CEO of OFO. Under her leadership and support by the Board and Shareholders, the Company has since grown into a stable, vertically integrated forest products company, with significant, high quality forest estates in Australia and New Zealand along with timber processing facilities of the same calibre. The Company today has over 500 employees across the two Countries.
Linda has hired and is supported by a seasoned and well-respected leadership team that will remain focused on our shareholders, employees and day-to-day operations. Andy Giles Knopp will continue to serve as Acting-CEO, a role he is well-suited for given his knowledge of OFO’s integrated businesses and his experience since 2016 as OFO’s Chief Financial Officer. The Board will evaluate options over the coming weeks as related to support for the leadership team and the Company.
As a part of her role through the years, Linda has been instrumental within the industry helping to form the Green Triangle Forest Industry Hub, building relationships on behalf of the Company and industry with Government, and establishing OFO as a respected operator and partner within the regions it operates. In full acknowledgement, Linda leaves the Company well positioned for the future.
John S. Gilleland Board Chair. OneFortyOne Plantations, concludes the statement with; “Please join us in thanking Linda for all she has done at OFO and wish her good health and great success into the future. Although her last day at OFO will be here soon, we know Linda will remain a part of the OFO family and a key participant in our industry”.
Source & Photo: OneFortyOne Plantations
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