"We are absolutely delighted that our Chairman, Peter Latham, has been honoured with the TTJ Lifetime Achievement Award," said Ben Gunneberg, PEFC International (Geneva, Swizterland) CEO in an Oct. 25, 2018 release.

"Peter has dedicated his working life to the timber industry, and now as chairman of PEFC, he is leading our organization forward as we begin to implement our new strategy. I couldn’t imagine anyone more deserving."

The annual TTJ Lifetime Achievement Award rewards outstanding achievement in the timber sector. Now in its 22nd year, the TTJ Awards highlight the timber sector as a major, modern and forward-looking industry and recognize its achievements in areas that are vital to business success. Peter Latham OBE, who served as chairman of James Latham from 2006 to 2017 and is currently the chairman of PEFC International, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his 44-year career in the industry.

"I was amazed when Stephen Powney, Group Editor of the TTJ, phoned me to say that I was to receive the award," said Peter, as he accepted the award.

"I have been lucky to work in a great industry, with fantastic natural products and with wonderfully talented teams of people."

Peter joined James Latham PLC as the seventh generation of the family business in June 1973, and subsequently worked for the business for 44 years. During his career, Peter has been Chairman of the Timber Trade Federation Environmental Committee, and a trustee and member of the Council of the Commonwealth Forestry Association. He has helped to develop and implement the UK government’s timber procurement policy - Central Point on Timber (CPET) and has led several government-funded delegations to Africa, China and Asia, to better understand the issues surrounding illegally logged timber, and the environmental and economic damage.

Before joining the PEFC International Board in 2011, Peter was Director of PEFC UK and then Chairman from May 2007 to Jan. 2012. In 2012, Peter was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honors list for services to the wood industry, which was presented by Prince Charles.