The Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL) has officially announced the appointment of Semi Dranibaka as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2025. This decision, reached during a Board meeting on August 29, marks a significant moment for the company, as Dranibaka becomes the first local CEO in its history, a development hailed by the Board as a significant step for both the corporation and national capacity enhancement.
FHCL Board Chairman Iowane Naiveli expressed strong confidence in Dranibaka’s leadership abilities, citing his extensive experience and dedication to the sustainable management of Fiji’s mahogany resources. Dranibaka joined FHCL in 2021 as General Manager and has dedicated his career to forestry, holding 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 appointment comes at a crucial juncture as FHCL looks to expand its operations and secure international forest certification, a vital step toward gaining access to global markets. The company is poised to undertake a comprehensive forest inventory across its 41,000 hectares of mahogany, with optimism surrounding the potential for increased production. Securing certification will not only facilitate access to markets in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand but also support sustainable practices, including reforestation efforts.
In recent years, FHCL has made remarkable strides, improving its financial health from an overwhelming debt of $8.7 million in 2021 to achieving a debt-free status by the end of 2023. This turnaround is attributed to strategic management initiatives under Dranibaka’s leadership, which emphasize transparency and accountability, enhancing the return on mahogany sales.
The company is also laying the groundwork for future growth, having 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. This submission underscores FHCL’s commitment to ongoing progress and sustainable development within the forestry sector.
The proactive measures undertaken by FHCL signal a hopeful outlook for both the company and Fiji’s timber industry, with a focus on economic benefits for landowners and local communities. FHCL’s dedication to sustainable forest management and economic stability reinforces its position as a leader in the region, showcasing the strengths of effective leadership in overcoming past challenges and paving the way for a prosperous future in Fiji’s forestry sector.