James Pendlebury, BSc, PhD

Chief Executive

James has had a distinguished career in research, management and market development in the timber and forestry sectors in several countries. He holds a BSc Honours degree in forestry and a PhD, both from Aberdeen University, the latter for his thesis on the preservation characteristics of tropical hardwood species from Malaysia. He has held timber research positions in several countries, including the UK, United States, South Africa and New Zealand.

James has also been head of the TNO Centre for Timber Research in The Netherlands and more recently Chief Executive of Highland Birchwoods in Scotland.

Since joining the Forestry Commission in 2002, James has held several posts, including Business Policy Advisor for Forestry Commission Scotland and a period on secondment to the Scottish Government’s Renewables Policy Team. His most recent post was as Head of the Forestry Commission's team of Specialist Advisors.

Current role

Chief Executive & Accounting Officer of Forest Research an executive agency of the Forestry Commission and member of the Forestry Commission Executive Board.

James is responsible for the strategic vision and scientific direction of Forest Research and the leadership of 220 staff and responsible for an annual research budget of £15 m.  He ensures that Forest Research provides appropriate research and evidence to the Forestry Commission in all three countries, Defra and devolved administrations’ ministers.  As a member of the Forestry Commission Executive Board he contributes to the strategic governance of the Forestry Commission and brings relevant scientific knowledge to decision making.

He is also required to ensure that Forest Research meets its statutory obligations as a government agency.

James is a Board Director of CCure Solutions Ltd a spin-out company formed in conjunction with the University of Surrey.

Affiliations and achievements

• Graduate of the Cabinet Office Leaders UK programme to develop collaborative leadership skills for public service excellence.
• Member of the Institute of Wood Science.
• Member of the Institute of Directors.
• Member of the International Research Group on Wood Preservation.
• Board member of the Genomia Fund.

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Main recent publications

James has authored or co-authored 39 international publications, conference papers and refereed scientific papers.  He has also contributed to 45 research or contract reports and co-authored 4 international patents.