PEFC Board elections 2025

4 December 2025 Organisation news

PEFC International is delighted to introduce the latest updates to its Board, bringing together newly elected and returning members who enrich the organisation with diverse experience and perspectives.

At the 33^rd PEFC General Assembly, Suzette Weeding was elected First Vice Chair, and Guy Gleysteen was elected Second Vice Chair. Gilles de Boncourt and Hlengiwe Msibi join the Board as new members, while Eva Müller and Scott Robertson were re-elected for another term. 

Warm congratulations from the Chair

PEFC Chair Eduardo Rojas Briales extended his appreciation to all six elected members:

"My sincere congratulations to all elected and re-elected Board members. Your collective experience, regional perspectives, and deep commitment to sustainable forest management strengthen PEFC’s mission worldwide. I am grateful for your willingness to take on these important responsibilities, and I look forward to the work we will achieve together.” 

"Our two new Board members bring highly complementary strengths. Hlengiwe offers an important African perspective, strong industry experience and fresh insight, while Gilles adds deep forestry expertise and valuable representation from France. Together, they broaden and strengthen the global voice of our Board.” 

Introducing the Board Members

Suzette Weeding – First Vice Chair

Based in Tasmania, Suzette brings long-standing leadership within PEFC and deep experience in forest management.

In addition to her new role as First Vice Chair, she serves as Chair of the Sustainable Forest Management Working Group and is a member of the Nominations Committee. 

"It is an honour to take on the role of First Vice Chair. I remain fully committed to supporting the Board and contributing to the important work ahead, and thank the members for their confidence and support.” 

Eduardo highlighted her contributions: 

"Suzette has been instrumental in leading the Sustainable Forest Management Working Group, one of our most active and critical working groups. Her readiness to serve is deeply appreciated.” 

Guy Gleysteen – Second Vice Chair

A Board member since 2021, Guy has played a central role in strengthening PEFC’s financial and governance structures. 

"Supporting PEFC has been incredibly rewarding. I believe deeply in sustainable forest management, and I look forward to continuing our work together in this new capacity.” 

Eduardo added: 

"My thanks to Guy for his long-standing leadership in financial oversight and for taking on the Chain of Custody Working Group. He brings calm, wisdom and a valuable global perspective to the Board.” 

Guy currently chairs both the Management Accounts Committee and the Chain of Custody Working Group, and will now join the Executive Committee with the Chair and First Vice Chair. 

Hlengiwe Msibi – Board Member

Based in South Africa, Hlengiwe brings strong expertise in certification, natural resource management, and smallholder forestry. She currently leads environmental performance and certification programmes at Sappi and plays a key role in the PEFC-endorsed Southern African Forest Assurance Scheme. 

"My priority is supporting PEFC’s growth in Africa, particularly in southern Africa, where expanding certification and supporting smallholders are critical to a fully certified value chain. Equally important is strengthening our global brand and market development for the future. I am also committed to broadening the understanding and recognition of the real value PEFC brings to sustainable forest management and responsible sourcing.”

Her election also marks an important step in strengthening African representation on the PEFC Board.

Gilles de Boncourt – Board Member

A forestry engineer with decades of experience across France’s cooperative forestry sector, Gilles joins the Board with a lifelong connection to PEFC - having been part of the early French efforts that helped launch the organisation. 

"What we envisioned over 25 years ago has proven correct: society needs assurance that wood comes from sustainably managed forests. I look forward to sharing my experience and broadening our global perspective as PEFC continues to grow.” 

Eva Müller – Re-elected Board Member

A respected leader with extensive global experience in international development and forestry, Eva continues her work guiding PEFC’s development and fundraising efforts. 

"It is a pleasure to continue supporting PEFC’s growth. Our work touches every continent, and I look forward to helping advance our strategic priorities in the years ahead.” 

Eduardo acknowledged her dedication: 

"Eva is a strong, experienced, solutions-driven leader whose international background is invaluable to the Board’s work.” 

Scott Robertson – Re-elected Board Member

Scott, who chairs the Indigenous Working Group, brings a vital perspective on Indigenous rights and forest stewardship from Canada and beyond. 

"It has been an honour to serve over the last three years. Our Indigenous Working Group is creating new opportunities for engagement and dialogue worldwide, and I am proud of what we are building together.” 

Eduardo praised Scott’s contributions: 

"Scott brings a unique and much-needed Indigenous perspective. His leadership, experience and vision enrich our collective understanding of forest issues globally.” 

Recognising departing Board and Committee members

This year also marks the departure of several valued contributors. 

Jan McAlpine – Nominations Committee

After years of dedicated service, Jan McAlpine steps down from the Nominations Committee. 

Eduardo thanked her for her leadership: 

"Jan has guided the nominations process with professionalism and vision, ensuring regional balance and continuity within the Board.” 

Jan also shared her appreciation: 

"It has been a privilege to work with our committee and with Michael, whose support was indispensable. I encourage countries to look ahead and prepare strong nominations for future vacancies.”

David Ford – Departing First Vice Chair

After nine years on the Board including six years as First Vice Chair, David Ford reflected on the organisation’s evolution: 

"PEFC today is a much stronger and more effective organisation than when Eduardo and I joined in 2016. We set out to improve governance, strengthen financial management, and advance fundraising - and I am proud of the progress we achieved together. It has been a true honour to serve.”

During his time on the Board, David served on the Management Accounts Committee, where he played an important role in the revision and strengthening of PEFC’s financial system. As a member of the Development and Fundraising Committee, he was also a co-builder of PEFC’s development and fundraising strategy, contributing to the foundations for long-term organisational growth. 

Eduardo emphasised David’s long-term vision and constructive leadership, noting the positive direction in which he helped guide the organisation. 

Kurt Ramskogler – Board Member

After six years of service, Kurt Ramskogler also concludes his term on the PEFC Board. 

In addition to his Board responsibilities, Kurt provided important leadership as Chair of the EU Affairs Working Group. 

"It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board. Though not always easy, I hope I contributed positively to PEFC’s development. The organisation has changed significantly for the better, and I believe it is on the right path.” 

Eduardo highlighted Kurt’s long-standing involvement in Austria and Europe, his constructive approach, and the depth of experience he brought to the Board.