The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) is delighted to announce the appointment of highly respected agribusiness leader John McKillop FAICD as Independent Chair of the AFPA Board..
Mr McKillop brings more than 25 years of senior executive experience, alongside an extensive governance portfolio across peak national industry bodies, member-owned structures, commercial agribusinesses, and environmental ventures.
His extensive leadership background includes serving as Independent Chair of the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) – Australia's peak policy body for the red meat industry- as well as Chair of Sea Forest, Manor Estates Holdings, and Compass Agribusiness Management. He has also served on the boards of key national bodies such as Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Dairy Australia.
At the executive level, Mr McKillop has managed large-scale primary production operations, environmental land management, and significant asset portfolios across Australia. His past leadership roles include CEO of Kidman and Co, CEO of Hassad Australia, Managing Director of AgCap, and Managing Director of Clyde Agriculture. His broader governance and commercial background include executive leadership at Herron Todd White Agribusiness, covering land valuation and biodiversity credits.
Holding a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University and having completed executive education at Harvard Business School, Mr McKillop is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD).
AFPA Board statement: "We are delighted to welcome Mr McKillop as Independent Chair of the AFPA Board. John is a proven leader with deep expertise in managing complex, vertically integrated supply chains, leading policy advocacy with government, and driving strategic growth across Australia's primary industries. His track record in stakeholder engagement, natural resource stewardship, and governance will be invaluable as AFPA continues to advance the sustainable growth and interests of Australia's forest products sector."
Incoming Independent Chair Mr McKillop statement: "It's a privilege to take on the role of Independent Chair for the Australian Forest Products Association. The forestry and forest products sector plays a vital role in Australia's economy, regional communities, and transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. I look forward to working closely with the Board, CEO, members, policy makers, and industry stakeholders to build on AFPA's strong advocacy and ensure the sector's long-term prosperity."
Mr McKillop will begin the role in October this year, and we look forward to introducing him to members and stakeholders during the last quarter of 2026.
