OneFortyOne announces appointment of Andrew Leighton as incoming CEO

22 Apr 26

News

OneFortyOne today announced the appointment of Andrew Leighton as its incoming Chief Executive Officer.

Andrew will join OneFortyOne following a comprehensive selection process and will succeed Michael Barbara, who has been serving as Interim CEO.

OneFortyOne Chair John Gilleland said the Board was delighted to appoint a leader of Andrew’s calibre.
“Andrew is an accomplished senior executive with deep experience across forest products and complex industrial businesses in Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Gilleland said.

Andrew Leighton has been appointed as OneFortyOne’s new CEO, commencing in July 2026.

“His leadership of Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has demonstrated his capability to bring people together, set clear strategic direction and deliver strong organisational outcomes. Andrew’s experience and steady leadership give the Board confidence in his ability to lead OneFortyOne strongly for the future.”

Andrew brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience, including CEO, Managing Director, Regional President and General Manager roles across the forest products, manufacturing and agribusiness sectors. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of FWPA, where he has led significant organisational and cultural change, strengthened member engagement, and delivered a new strategic plan focused on industry growth, transparency and accountability.

Prior to FWPA, Andrew held senior leadership roles with Norske Skog Australasia, including Regional President, where he was responsible for large-scale manufacturing, forestry, energy and bio-product operations across multiple sites. He has also served as General Manager Strategy and Business Development at Ingham’s Group and has extensive experience in strategy execution, P&L management, governance and stakeholder engagement.

Mr Gilleland thanked Michael Barbara for his leadership as Interim CEO.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to sincerely thank Michael for his leadership and stewardship of OneFortyOne during this transition. Michael has worked closely with the Lead Team to lift culture, bring focus, and create valuable momentum. The business is well positioned as we welcome Andrew.”

Michael Barbara said it had been a privilege to serve as Interim CEO.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the role and working alongside the Lead Team and colleagues across OneFortyOne,” Mr Barbara said.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the commitment and professionalism shown across the business. I wish Andrew every success as he steps into the role and continues to lead OneFortyOne forward.”

Michael will continue in his role with Campbell Global and will work closely with OneFortyOne and its shareholders to support a smooth leadership handover.

Andrew Leighton said he was pleased to be joining OneFortyOne and looked forward to working with the team.
“OneFortyOne is a highly respected forestry and manufacturing business with strong assets, capable people and deep community connections. I am excited about the opportunity to work with the team to build on these strengths and lead the business into its next chapter.”

Andrew will commence with OneFortyOne during July 2026.

Inquiries should be sent to Jessica Douglas, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability +61 400 186 293 or jessica.douglas@onefortyone.com.


OneFortyOne acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their deep connections to land, water, and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations people today.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori communities have a strong spiritual connection between people and the land – the wellbeing of one sustains the wellbeing of the other. We strive to build meaningful relationships with iwi as tangata whenua (people of the land/region), to be responsible intergenerational kaitiaki (stewards/guardians) of the land where our forests grow.