Interim Chief Executive appointed to lead BioFactory [NZ]Friday 5 Jun 2026
Stewart will work part time in the role for an initial six-month period, providing continuity of leadership and maintaining momentum while the BioFactory completes its transition to a long-term ownership and governance structure. This arrangement ensures the BioFactory maintains senior leadership while remaining disciplined on costs during this transition period. BioFactory Interim Board Chair Steve Wilson says Stewart brings proven experience in innovation, forestry and technology and a practical track record in leading complex programmes that rely on strong cross sector partnerships. “Claire is highly regarded across the forestry sector and the wider bioeconomy community. She understands what it takes to take innovation into real world use and has a strong record of building the partnerships and governance needed to deliver.” Wilson says. Stewart currently leads the Precision Silviculture Programme at Forest Growers Research, where she works with forest growers and research partners to lift value and performance across the forestry supply chain. Her appointment as part-time Interim CEO of the Biofactory alongside her current role is supported by Forest Growers Research and its parent body, the New Zealand Forest Owners Association. Wilson also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing founding Chief Executive Bart Challis, who was appointed in late 2025 to progress the establishment phase of the BioFactory. “Bart has laid critical foundations for this next stage. He has helped shape the BioFactory’s operating platform, progressed planning and early delivery work, and strengthened engagement with partners and stakeholders. Importantly, he has prepared the ground for the BioFactory to transition to a public private partnership model, which we expect to be launched before the end of 2026, subject to completion of the capital raise and governance arrangements,” Wilson says. Stewart says she is looking forward to continuing to build momentum while the BioFactory completes the work needed to move into its long-term structure. “The BioFactory is a critical piece of enabling infrastructure. It will help New Zealand businesses turn locally available feedstocks, including forestry residues and other biomass, into higher value ingredients and materials that can be trialled and produced at meaningful scale. My focus is to maintain progress through this transition and support the project to be investment ready and well governed for the delivery phase.” Stewart says. Source & image credit: The BioFactory  | ||
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