New Non-Executive Commissioner to the Forestry Commission appointed
Paul Brannen appointed for a three-year term
By Royal Warrant, His Majesty King Charles III has appointed Paul Brannen as a Non-Executive Commissioner to the Forestry Commission.
Paul will play a pivotal role in establishing a strong, sustainable future for the Forestry Commission, which is responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands, including the production and supply of timber. He has been appointed for a three-year term, which commenced on 1 December 2025.
This appointment has been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments have been made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process, nor is a bar to appointment.
Biography
- Paul Brannen is an experienced leader in public affairs, sustainability and advocacy, with a career spanning senior roles across European institutions, industry bodies and the charity sector.
- Since 2020, Paul has served as Public Affairs Director for the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries, the European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry, and the UK Confederation of Timber Industries, where he has been a prominent voice on forestry, construction timber, and climate policy.
- He previously represented the Northeast of England as a Labour Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2014 to 2019, where he focused on environmental policy, sustainable land use and climate change. Before entering elected office, Paul held senior leadership roles at Christian Aid, serving as Head of Advocacy and Influence and later as Head of England North and Central from 2006 to 2014.
- Paul has also contributed to academia as Visiting Professor of Innovation and Enterprise at Newcastle University Business School (2022-2023) and served as President of Leeds University Union (1986-1987).
- He holds an MBA from Durham University (2004) and a BA (Hons) in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Leeds (1986).
The Forestry Commission
- The Forestry Commission is a non-Ministerial Government department that has a key role in helping the Government achieve its tree planting objectives.