6th July 2008

Divisional Profile

Chairman of Donaldsons Honoured by Queen

Mr George Donaldson, Chairman of James Donaldson & Sons Ltd, the major Scottish-based timber importing, sawmilling, processing and distribution Group, has been honoured in the recent Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Mr Donaldson has been made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in an award, which has been made particularly for his services to the timber industry. During his time as Managing Director and more recently Chairman of Donaldsons (a family firm established 140 years ago), Mr Donaldson has found time to serve in every major office which the timber industry offers.

From 1975 to 1977 Mr Donaldson was President of the Scottish Timber Merchants and Sawmillers Association; from 1978 to 1980 President of the Scottish Timber Trade Association; from 1980 to 1982 Chairman of TRADA, the Timber Research and Development Association; and from 1985 to 1987 President of the Timber Trade Federation.

Throughout his long association with the timber industry Mr Donaldson has canvassed for the pro-active promotion of wood; he continues to believe in the importance of presenting timber's attributes - environmental and other - in a way that is commercially and politically attractive.

Commenting on his receipt of the CBE, Mr Donaldson said:

"I was totally surprised and absolutely delighted to hear that the Queen "was minded" to honour me. I am thrilled because I feel it reflects positively on the type of company we have built at Donaldsons and perhaps most particularly because it means some people in the industry felt I had contributed something worthwhile in my time."