Dirk Vennix takes the helm at the Confederation of Timber Industries

Dirk Vennix has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI), the organisation has announced.

Dutch by birth, Vennix has substantial experience in communications and stakeholder engagement, sponsorship creation and fundraising, and he has worked for more than 20 years in the private and not-for-profit sectors in the UK.

"I am delighted to take on this fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the timber supply chain sector,” he said. “I want to grow the various links in the supply chain and make wood the product of choice. I am looking forward to talking to all stakeholders in the timber supply chain and building more relationships with a wide range of important partners. The CTI is committed to providing key deliverables in the areas of growth, skills and sustainability by 2016.”

Vennix recently led the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB), a major trade body promoting the interests of large and small betting businesses within a highly regulated and fast paced environment. He was the sector's focal point for key stakeholders in governments, parliaments and the media.

He joined the ABB from the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association (TMA) in 2011, where he was director of communications. He developed effective stakeholder engagement campaigns, including raising awareness for youth access prevention and combating illicit trade.

Prior to his role with the TMA, he worked for Enterprise Insight where he was director of campaign operations. He was responsible for ensuring that a new government funded campaign, promoting enterprise to young people, was delivered with real impact.

Before joining Enterprise Insight, he worked for Centrica plc, where he fulfilled a range of management roles in corporate affairs for nearly 10 years.

He has also worked at Liverpool John Moores University as head of marketing and communications.

Vennix started his career as a journalist, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (FCIPR). He gained an MBA with distinction at the University of Bradford in 2000.