Forestry pioneer and leader applauded for outstanding service

Friday 12 Dec 2025

 
Australian forestry pioneer, innovator and long-serving AFPA Board member James Malone has been honoured for his outstanding service and leadership of the industry. As a well-known leader of the forestry sector, Mr Malone – a co-founder of Wesbeam – recently announced his retirement, and has stepped down from AFPA’s Board after serving for almost a decade.

AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said: “James is a true pioneer, entrepreneur and highly respected leader of our industry, who has led the way with distinction and foresight over many years. 

“I sincerely congratulate James on his remarkable forestry and business career, and his innovative and valuable contributions to our sector through AFPA’s Board and numerous other committees and industry leadership roles. I congratulate James on his upcoming retirement as Managing Director and CEO of Wesbeam.”

Some of Mr Malone’s impressive career achievements have included:
  • Pioneering Australia’s only laminated veneer lumber (LVL) manufacturer, based in Perth.
  • Former CEO and Managing Director of WESFI Ltd.
  • Former Chairman and longstanding board member of Wespine.
  • Being awarded the Forest Industries of WA leader of the year in 2006, and
  • Undertaking numerous industry leadership positions, Director of Dyno Industries WA, President of the Forest Industries Federation of WA, Director of Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia, and Director of Australian Wood Panels Association.
In 2023, Mr Malone was named one of Business News WA’s Power 500 leaders for Industrial & Logistics, and he is also a Trustee of the Gottstein Trust.

“On behalf of the sector, I extend a sincere thanks to James for his long service, dedication, achievements and outstanding leadership of the industry, and wish him well for the future,” Ms Hallam said.

Source: Australian Forest Products Association
Image credit: Wesbeam


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