SOIL Association Certification has appointed Meriel Robson as its new director of forestry. 

Meriel has been confirmed as the replacement for Kevin Jones, who is retiring after 25 years at the helm of the group. 

Under his leadership, the certification body’s forestry division has grown from a few staff to a team of more than 50 with an international network of partners and auditors, as well as providing capacity-building and training worldwide.

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Dominic Robinson, Soil Association Certification’s CEO, said: “Kevin’s contribution to the growth, successes and spirit of the team can’t be valued highly enough.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kevin for all his work over the many years in creating what is an exceptional team delivering a global impact.”

Meriel, who takes up the post in September, joined Soil Association Certification in 2010 as senior technical manager, and brings a wealth of experience in the forest management and forest products sectors. 

Dominic said: “Meriel’s strength of technical knowledge stood out from a strong field of candidates. Her depth of understanding of our international work and external relationships, as well as her experience of corporate governance and non-executive board experience, puts her in a great position to lead this part of the business.”

Soil Association Certification certifies more than 26 million hectares of forest worldwide, with 4,000 Forest Management and Chain of Custody certificates in around 60 countries.