Hodgson to lead new Scottish forestry agency

Simon Hodgson, currently Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise England, has been appointed as Chief Executive designate of the new agency, which will be established in April 2019.  

He is expected to take up the post in January and with the agreement of the Forestry Commissioners, he will be seconded to the Forestry Commission as Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise Scotland until FLS is established. 

The news was announced by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy Fergus Ewing MSP in response to a parliamentary question. He said: "This appointment represents another milestone in the process to complete the devolution of forestry in Scotland." 

Confor Chief Executive Stuart Goodall said: "Simon is an experienced individual we know well and someone who understands the benefits of modern productive forestry within the context of broader land management. 

"We look forward to working with Simon to deal with the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, not least future wood supply."