The Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL) has announced the appointment of Semi Dranibaka as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2025. This decision was made during a Board meeting on August 29 and represents a significant milestone as Mr. Dranibaka becomes the first local CEO of the company, a development that is celebrated by the Board as a step forward for both the corporation and national capacity building.
Chairman of the FHCL Board, Iowane Naiveli, expressed confidence in Dranibaka’s leadership, noting his extensive experience and commitment to the sustainable management of Fiji’s mahogany resources. Mr. Dranibaka has been with FHCL since 2021 when he served as General Manager. He holds a Bachelor in Forest Science from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Science in Forestry from Southern Cross University, and a Professional Diploma in Business Leadership from the University of the South Pacific.
Dranibaka’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as FHCL is striving to enhance its operations and secure international forest certification, which is essential for accessing global markets. The company is currently preparing for a comprehensive forest inventory across its 41,000 hectares of mahogany and is optimistic about the potential for increased production. The certification process aims to not only improve access to markets in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand but also supports sustainable practices, which includes reforestation efforts.
FHCL has made considerable progress in recent years, having successfully transformed its financial situation from a staggering debt of $8.7 million in 2021 to being debt-free as of the end of 2023. This turnaround was driven by strategic management practices under Dranibaka’s direction, focusing on transparency and accountability while boosting the value derived from mahogany sales.
With plans for future growth, FHCL has submitted a draft of its Annual Business Plan and Statement of Corporate Intent for 2025-2027 to the Ministry of Public Enterprise and the Ministry of Forestry, signaling its commitment to continued progress and sustainable development in the forestry sector. The proactive steps being taken by FHCL highlight a promising future for both the company and Fiji’s timber industry, with an emphasis on economic advantages for landowners and local communities alike.
This commitment to sustainable forest management and economic stability positions FHCL as a leader in the region, embodying a hopeful narrative of resurgence in Fiji’s forestry sector, showcasing the profound impact of effective leadership in overcoming past challenges.