Kebony names new CEO
Kebony, the global producer of dually modified wood, has today announced the appointment of Tom Paemeleire as the company’s new CEO.
Paemeleire takes on the top position of Kebony Group CEO from Jean-Baptiste Clavel following a period of interim leadership.
The new CEO joins Kebony with 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 organizational integrations, all while passionately driving sustainable agendas.
A recognized Global Cleantech company, Kebony has been at the forefront in advocating 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 said 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.
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.
Sales expansion
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.
‘’I am excited to join the Kebony team at a pivotal time for the global construction industry,” Paemeleire. “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.‘’
Jean-Marc Daillance, chairman of the board, added, ‘’On behalf of Kebony and our main shareholders Investinor, Jolt Capital, Lightrock and PMV NV, we are delighted to welcome Tom 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”.
Headquartered in Norway, Kebony technology permanently transforms sustainable softwoods such as pine into dually modified wood - with features that are comparable, and in some cases superior, to those of precious tropical hardwoods.
Used predominantly for cladding and decking, Kebony products are used for a multitude of outdoor applications and design projects in over 100 countries around the world, as the need for sustainable alternatives in construction intensifies and sustainable wood becomes the new normal.
In October 2021, Kebony announced the completion of a EUR 30m investment round led by Jolt Capital and Lightrock.
