Learning and development support company Focus on Forestry First (FFF) introduces Olivia Weaver as its new managing director.

Weaver has been part of FFF since 2017 as a project manager, initially helping to launch the organisation's skills development and knowledge transfer programmes.

From leading communications and the programme to developing new continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities and building industry partnerships, Weaver then joined the Board of Directors in 2023.

Weaver comments on her appointment:

"Stepping into the role of managing director feels like a very natural progression, and I'm genuinely excited about what comes next. Richard has helped build incredibly strong foundations for the business, and I'm proud to be taking the lead as he begins to step back into his new role."

"He's been an incredible mentor to me for many years. When I first joined Focus on Forestry First, my mum was managing director and Richard became my line manager. I absolutely loved working alongside Mum, but having Richard as my manager gave me the opportunity to develop professionally in my own right and learn from someone with such a wealth of forestry and training experience – 40 years to be exact."

Alongside her role as managing director, Weaver is also a member of FISA's Forestry Works Manager Working Group and the Forestry Skills Forum, where she works with colleagues from across the industry, sharing ideas and helping shape the future of forestry skills and professional development