Kebony appoints Tom Paemeleire as new CEO
Kebony, the leading global producer of dually modified™ wood, has today announced the appointment of Tom Paemeleire as the technology company’s new Chief Executive Officer. Welcomed by Kebony’s main shareholders Investinor, Jolt Capital, Lightrock, PMV NV, Tom Paemeleire takes on the position of Kebony Group CEO from Jean-Baptiste Clavel following a period of interim leadership.
Tom Paemeleire joins Kebony with twenty 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 organisational integrations, all while passionately driving sustainable agendas.
A recognised Global Cleantech company, Kebony has been leading in the revolution for a greener global construction industry for about twenty-five 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 wood 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.
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.
Following his appointment, Tom Paemeleire, Chief Executive Officer for Kebony, comments: ‘’I am excited to join the Kebony team at a pivotal time for the global construction industry. 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, adds: ‘’On behalf of Kebony and our main shareholders Investinor, Jolt Capital, Lightrock andPMV 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”.