The FSC Executive Director steps down

13 December 2007

The Director of the FSC Heiko Liedeker has decided to resign from what must be one of the world’s most challenging top management positions. Looking back, it is clear that Liedeker has managed the challenge well: After six years of leadership, he is leaving the FSC in a much better shape than it was when he entered the organization.

The most visible sign of success is the growth of the FSC. The number of certificates issued by the FSC today count as many as 8,400 certificates in more than 85 countries, and nearly 100 million hectares of forestland are FSC-certified. The market recognition of the FSC label is higher than for any other forest certification scheme.

Besides managing a fast developing certification system, Liedeker has done much to build a financially stable organization. His first task as manager of the FSC was to turn a severe financial situation around and secure a sound financial basis for the FSC’s operations. The next steps in that process are already outlined in the recently adopted FSC Global Strategy.

Before joining the FSC, Heiko Liedeker was a prominent figure within the WWF, where he headed the WWF European Certification Initiative. Prior to that, he served as WWF’s Senior Forest Policy Advisor, Forestry Department Head, and European Forest Team Chairman.

Until a new Director is in place, Liedeker has agreed to remain in his position. Our warmest thanks to Liedeker for his commitment and hard work during the past six years!