Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited Appoints Mr. Semi Vuloaloa Dranibaka as First Local CEO
Suva, Fiji–31 October, 2025 -The Chairman & Board of Directors of Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL) is pleased to formally announce the appointment of Mr. Semi Dranibaka as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 01 September 2025.
FHCL Board Chairman, Mr. Iowane Naiveli, through consultation with Ministry of Public Enterprise made this decision following the Board meeting on 29 August 2025.
Mr. Dranibaka, who has served as the General Manager since 2021, brings a wealth of experience and expertise from the Forestry sector. Mr. Dranibaka holds a Bachelor of Forest Science degree from University of Melbourne and Master of Science in Forestry from Southern Cross University, Australia and Professional Diploma in Business Leadership from the University of South Pacific (USP). He is also a member of the Institute of Foresters of New Zealand & Australia and has worked with the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries and Forests for more than 34 years.
The appointment follows a Board resolution to retire the position of General Manager and re-title his position as CEO, aligning the company’s leadership structure with modern corporate governance standards in accordance with the Public Enterprise Act. S, 51(1)
“Mr. Dranibaka has been an invaluable asset to FHCL, demonstrating strong leadership and a deep commitment to the sustainable management of Fiji’s mahogany resources since joining the company in 2021,” said Mr. Naiveli.
“His new assignment is a testament to his expertise and dedication. We are immensely proud that Mr. Dranibaka is the first local CEO to be appointed for FHCL, marking a significant milestone for the company and national capacity building.
The Board is confident that under Mr. Dranibaka’s leadership, FHCL is a company that is important to Fiji’s economy that will continue to advance its strategic goals, particularly in its ongoing efforts to achieve international forest certification and maximize the value of Fiji’s mahogany assets (Green Gold) for the benefit of all stakeholders, including the mahogany landowners, the forest industries and the Fiji economy as a whole.