Over the past five and a half years Anand has led on sustainability issues at the Timber Trade Federation in the UK, working with members and key stakeholders to provide an overarching strategic framework for the TTF’s work in this area.
The predominant focus of his work at the TTF has been on Responsible Timber Procurement and Supply Chain Management, in particular EUTR. Given the improvements the UK timber industry has made in the responsible sourcing of timber, his work increasingly focused on the role that timber can play in delivering a low carbon built environment.
By leading on and promoting responsible sourcing and resource efficiency initiatives in the timber supply chain, globally and within the UK, Anand has played an important role in creating a strong foundation for the greater use of certified timber. Having played a significant role in creating a strong demand for certified timber amongst the largest players in the construction industry, a key goal remains to make it more accessible and beneficial for smaller and medium sized businesses to buy certified timber.
Anand’s first exposure to FSC was in 1997, when fresh out of university he joined Global Witness as a volunteer and supported the team on their work on the links between deforestation in Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese Garden Furniture Trade. This experience played an important role in Anand’s career path and from this volunteering he chose to undertake an MA in Environment, Development and Policy with the ultimate aim of playing his part in working to create a more equal and sustainable world.
Anand brings with him a diverse network within both the UK and wider European Timber Trade, a sound knowledge of European policy making and good relationship management skills. He is also very passionate about the role that FSC has to play in keeping forests standing.
"I am really looking forward to working with and enabling the European Network Partners to play a strong role in delivering the new FSC Global Strategy. I look forward to meeting all of the Executive Directors and the rest of their teams," said Anand.
Anand is married and has two girls (aged 6 & 8) and lives in West London, not too far from Heathrow. His hobbies include getting out into the local woods, cycling- inspired by a London to Paris ride in summer 2015, and Arsenal Football Club. He looks forward to starting at FSC and working with the European Offices and FSC International to further develop FSC in Europe.
"We are very pleased to welcome Anand to FSC and look forward to engage his knowledge and experience in trade of forest products into FSC," said Gemma Boetekees, FSC Global Network Director.