Vivienne Jupp has been named as the incoming chair designate of Coillte, set to take over from the current chair, Bernie Gray. Jupp brings with her a wealth of experience, having served as a global senior executive at Accenture, a prominent management consultancy firm, for a notable 12-year period. Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Jupp emphasized the crucial role Coillte plays in promoting the benefits of forestry, not only in terms of commercial aspects but also in relation to climate action, biodiversity preservation, and recreational opportunities.
Acknowledging the significant contributions made by Bernie Gray during her tenure as chairperson, Jupp expressed her commitment to building on Gray’s legacy and driving Coillte towards further success in the future. The position of chair entails a five-year term, with the possibility of extension. Before formal confirmation in the role, there is a stipulation that the Joint Committee for Agriculture, Food and the Marine may request the chair to appear before the Select Committee to outline his or her strategic priorities for the position.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett, paid tribute to the outgoing chair, highlighting the evolution of Coillte’s mandate since its establishment in 1988. Hackett noted that Coillte has transformed into not only the largest wood producer in the country but also the primary provider of outdoor recreational spaces in Ireland, alongside engaging in large-scale nature rehabilitation projects.
Imelda Hurley, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Coillte, expressed confidence in Jupp’s appointment, emphasizing the invaluable experience and support she brings to the organization. Hurley underscored the importance of implementing the forestry strategic vision to achieve Ireland’s climate action targets, with Jupp’s expertise expected to play a pivotal role in driving these objectives forward.
In the realm of forestry management, the appointment of a new chair designate marks a significant milestone for Coillte, Ireland’s leading forestry and land solutions company. With a strong background in global management consultancy, Vivienne Jupp is poised to lead Coillte into a new era of sustainable forest management and environmental stewardship.
The outgoing chair, Bernie Gray, leaves behind a legacy of dedication and strategic vision that has shaped Coillte’s evolution over the years. Jupp’s appointment signals a continuation of this legacy, with a focus on furthering Coillte’s impact in forestry, climate action, biodiversity conservation, and recreational offerings.
As Coillte transitions to a new leadership era, stakeholders and industry observers will be closely watching the strategic direction set forth by Jupp and the executive team. The company’s role in driving Ireland’s climate action agenda and promoting sustainable land use practices will be paramount under Jupp’s leadership, as Coillte navigates the challenges and opportunities in the forestry sector.
With a strong foundation in place and a new chair designate at the helm, Coillte is poised to continue its mission of delivering economic, environmental, and social benefits through sustainable forestry practices. Vivienne Jupp’s appointment heralds a new chapter for Coillte, one that is set to build upon the organization’s legacy while embracing the evolving demands of forestry management in the 21st century.
