Senior Executives

Gunns Management Team comprises an experienced executive representative of our main business divisions.

Mr Chris Newman
Chairman

Mr Newman was appointed as Chairman of Gunns in May 2010 and has been a Director of the Company since 2001. He has extensive experience in investment management, merger and acquisition and corporate finance activities. For more than 20 years prior to becoming a public company Director, Mr Newman was a member of the Australian Securities Exchange Limited. Mr Newman is also a current Director of Worldwide Entertainment Limited, Webjet Limited and Austero Limited.

Mr Greg L'Estrange
Chief Executive Officer

Mr L’Estrange has been involved within the timber industry for over 20 years working for Boral Timber and CSR Timber Products. The last role was as CEO of CSR Timber, with assets of $1 billion operating throughout Australia and New Zealand, leading the turnaround of that business and the sale process that enabled CSR to exit its entire holding. This process far exceeded the market’s expectation. He previously held the position of managing director of Capral Aluminium from 2000 to 2004.

Mr Wayne Chapman
Company Secretary

Mr Chapman was appointed to the position of Company Secretary in 1997. He joined the company in 1994 and worked in various accounting roles and positions before being appointed to the position of Company Secretary. He has previous experience in finance and secretarial roles. Mr Chapman is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

Mr Les Baker
General Manager - Bell Bay Pulp Mill Project

Mr Baker is General Manager – Bell Bay Pulp Mill Project. Mr Baker has extensive experience in the forestry industry. He is a qualified forester and has been employed in the sector since 1978 being actively involved in the management and development of both hardwood and softwood forestry businesses.

Mr Ian Blanden
Chief Executive Officer, Gunns Plantations Limited

Mr Blanden has considerable managerial experience operating managed investment schemes. He has overseen the development of the full list of Gunns Plantations Ltd’s managed investment schemes since inception in 1999. 

Mr Bryan Hayes
General Manager, Gunns Forest Products

Mr Hayes is responsible for forest operations, wood fibre production and sales in Tasmania, including the Fibre Technology facility at Ridgley and pine operations in the northwest. He has a Bachelor of Business from UTAS and has worked in the Tasmanian forestry industry for 36 years.

Mr Alan Roberts
General Manager, Hinman Wright & Manser

Mr Roberts has been General Manager of Hinman Wright & Manser, the construction division of Gunns Limited, since 1989. Prior to this Alan was the Tasmanian Manager of the Danish international construction company Christiani & Nielsen; and for 18 years Managing Director of Construct (Tasmania) Pty Ltd. He has extensive experience in the construction industry having overseen projects ranging across the broad spectrum of building and construction. Mr Roberts has controlled the construction of major infrastructure projects, large industrial developments, commercial multi-storey structures, medical, educational and sporting facilities and marine structures across the state. Mr Roberts is the immediate past President of the Master Builders Association of Northern Tasmania.

Mr Calton Frame
Corporate Relations & Sustainability Manager

Mr Frame is currently Corporate Relations & Sustainability Manager for Gunns Limited, responsible for key corporate communications focussing on strategy, key public concerns, stakeholder engagement, regulatory and compliance requirements to effect responsible environmental and sustainable business management. Mr Frame has also overseen environmental management for the Bell Bay Pulp Mill in relation to key environmental, social and economic assessment. Mr Frame has extensive experience in the forestry industry. He is a qualified forester and economist and has been employed in the sector since 1995.

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