Murray Sturgeon is set to retire at the end of September 2025, concluding a long and respected career in the forestry and wood processing industries.

Until recently, Mr Sturgeon served as Chairman of Nelson Pine Industries Ltd (NPIL), Tasman Pine Industries Ltd, and Sumitomo Forestry New Zealand Ltd. He joined NPIL in 1984 as Chief Executive, bringing with him extensive experience from Fletcher Group and Canterbury Timber Products. His leadership played a key role in establishing NPIL’s operations around a then-emerging product: medium density fibreboard (MDF).

Under his direction, NPIL commissioned the world’s first continuous MDF production line in 1986. Following its success, a second line was added in 1991, and a third in 1997—making NPIL the largest single-site MDF producer globally at that time. In 2002, the company expanded into veneer and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) production, enabling broader utilisation of regional log and forest resources that would otherwise have been exported.

The acquisition of the Hancock Forest estate in 2016 further strengthened the company’s fibre supply and long-term resource security.

Sumitomo Forestry, one of NPIL’s founding shareholders, became its sole shareholder in 1993. Its long-term investment approach and international reach have supported NPIL’s growth in key markets such as Japan and Southeast Asia.

Mr Sturgeon oversaw the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies at NPIL and the development of MDF and LVL products recognised for their quality and performance in furniture and construction applications. He also contributed to industry development through active involvement in organisations such as the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (WPMA) and the Japan New Zealand Business Council.

His contributions have been acknowledged through several honours, including his appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003. He was inducted into the Washington State University Hall of Fame in 1997, the Nelson Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2009, named an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand and is a Life Member of the Tasman Rugby Union and the Nelson A&P Association.

NPIL CEO & Executive director Kai Kruse says that “the team at NPIL extends its sincere thanks to Murray for his leadership and contributions over the years. We are grateful to have worked alongside him and wish Murray and Jocelyn all the best in this next chapter.”

In retirement, Mr. Sturgeon looks forward to spending more time with his wife Jocelyn, their children, and grandchildren.