Mr Crichton has accepted the position of director of country and economic research in The Economist Group’s Intelligence Unit, which will take him back to the profession where he started his career.
He told TTJ that ConFor has come along way during a short space of time and has become a strong advocate of the industry and has made its mark with the government, adding that he will be leaving the organisation on an upward curve as membership numbers and income are increasing.
And he noted that, much like himself, his successor may not need to have a background in the forest industry.
“It is important that it is someone who can win the support of the membership and influence the sector,” said Mr Crichton.
“Knowledge and empathy of the forest sector would be good but it is not essential.”
Mr Crichton is expected to step down in early August, with ConFor set to put together a job description to advertise the vacant chief executive post over the coming weeks.
