New Chair of Trustees for world-leading tree planting charity

INTERNATIONAL Tree Foundation (ITF) has announced the appointment of Tom Lupton as the new Chair of Trustees.

Tom has joined ITF as Chair following a long career in forestry and agriculture. Most recently, he has chaired a company developing new technologies for plant and animal pest and disease control, mainly for use in agriculture.

Before then, he was responsible for agricultural and forestry investments across the globe, in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. This followed 28 years of working in Asia and Africa in natural resources business management.

Tom has honed many management skills throughout his career, from strategy to finance, and investment to governance. He has also lived in Eswatini and Tanzania, giving him on-the-ground experience and a great interest in our work in Africa, restoring forests and empowering local people. Meanwhile, his love of forestry makes him a natural fit for his role at ITF.

Tom officially became the Chair of ITF at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 13th June. Speaking of his appointment, Tom said:

“I have a lifelong love of trees and the privilege of being involved in tree planting initiatives in both Africa and the UK. The opportunity to join ITF seems a natural fit, and a great way to put my skills and time to good use. ITF does important work planting trees for the benefit of humanity and the environment. I am looking forward to becoming part of its highly professional team and working with ITF to develop innovative ways to deliver the benefits of trees as widely as possible.”

Tom is taking over from Stephen Vickers who, after four years as Chair, will remain on the board and continue to help ITF grow from strength to strength.

ITF’s Chief Executive, James Whitehead said:

“We feel extremely fortunate that someone as high calibre as Tom Lupton is taking over the excellent leadership Stephen Vickers has provided ITF for the last four years. Tom’s extensive senior-level experience and deep understanding of social and environmental work in Africa will stand the charity in good stead as we move forward with our ambitious plans to plant, protect and promote trees for the benefit of people and the planet.”