Andrew Heald MICFor Appointed Technical Advisor at Confor

Confor today announced the appointment of Andrew Heald MICFor as Technical Advisor.

Andrew joins the organisation to advise them on a wide range of forestry and timber issues, particularly certification. With increasing membership, Confor has seen a growing demand for industry representation – in relation to legislation, regulation, consultations and discussion papers.

Andrew is a professional member of ICF, having nearly 20 years of experience in a wide range of industry roles, both in the UK and internationally. He has held a number of roles at UPM Tilhill, including time spent in North Wales heavily involved in the development of Coed Llandegla mountain bike centre. More recently, Andrew worked in UPM Tilhill’s Head Office in Stirling leading their assurance team, to ensure compliance with a wide range of legislation and regulation, including responsibility for the largest FSC Group Scheme in the UK.

For the last three years, Andrew has worked to ensure UPM’s sustainability compliance for its global plantation management. This involved working in West and East Africa and living for several months in Uruguay. A key part of Andrew’s role was regular cooperation and building trust with international organisations such as WWF and IUCN.

Stuart Goodall, CEO of Confor said “It’s great to have Andrew as part of the Confor team. His extensive knowledge and experience will be invaluable for members and the industry. The requirements of certification are, in particular, an ever increasing burden and we need to ensure that it is providing value to those that work with it.”

ICF joins Confor in congratulating Andrew, and wish him every success in his new role.