Kebony, a leading global producer of dually modified wood, has appointed Tom Paemeleire as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

 

Welcomed by Kebony’s main shareholders Investinor, Jolt Capital, Lightrock, PMV NV, Paemeleire takes on the new position from Jean-Baptiste Clavel following a period of interim leadership.   

 

Paemeleire brings with him 20 years of international experience dedicated to business transformation. His previous executive roles include leadership of Belgian-based Incendin, where he was responsible for the implementation of new market strategies, organic and acquisitional growth, and organisational integrations, all while passionately driving sustainable agendas.   

 

As part of its ongoing international expansion, Kebony announced the appointment of a dedicated Middle East sales office in September 2023, confirming its presence within a major commercial market and a region in global focus ahead of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai next month.  

 

Lauding the appointment, Chairman Jean-Marc Daillance said: "On behalf of Kebony and our main shareholders Investinor, Jolt Capital, Lightrock and PMV NV, we are delighted to welcome Paemeleire as CEO."

 

"He brings substantial experience in growth and transformation from different industries with a key focus on sustainability. We would also like to thank Jean-Baptiste for his continued efforts and the excellent work carried out as our transitional CEO," he added. 

 

Developed in Norway, Kebony’s bio-based dual modification technology sees sustainable FSC-certified softwoods, such as pine, permanently transformed into products with comparable, and in some cases superior, aesthetic and mechanical characteristics to tropical hardwoods, without the same cost to the carbon footprint.

 

Kebony cladding and decking products are used today across a range of commercial and civic projects in over 100 countries, offering architects worldwide a beautiful, durable and eco-friendly building solution. 

 

On his new role, Paemeleire said: "I am excited to join the Kebony team at a pivotal time for the global construction industry. I look forward to continuing the delivery of Kebony’s beautiful and sustainable products around the world, ensuring a positive contribution for generations to come."

 

A recognised global cleantech company, Kebony has been leading in the revolution for a greener global construction industry for about 25 years. 

 

With the formal CITES Appendix II listing of Ipe and Cumaru due by November 2024, further limiting the international trade of endangered timber species, Kebony wood will continue to provide a sustainable alternative to protected tropical hardwoods, thereby easing the global dependence on deforestation and helping the world reduce its CO₂ emissions, it added.-TradeArabia News Service