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CHIDI ADILIH-OSIM GROUP SALES MANAGER TTJ AND WBPI
I have been in sales and marketing for 20 years and have been lucky to be part of brilliant teams over the years for companies including The Sunday Times, The Times and BT. My time at The Times was a great kickstart to my media sales career and other roles included event sales across packaging and construction industries. This was a solid training ground for my current role as group sales manager for the TTJ and WBPI titles, which gave me the scope to build business relationships, meet and greet clients at events. I started working for TTJ in 2017 and instantly felt welcomed working in timber. When I arrived I was curious about the trade but quickly learnt how dynamic and full of heart the timber industry is, and I have loved every second working in this field. Traditionally being a male dominated
sector, I stood out in the room when attending events, however, I was always welcomed by my fellow male and female colleagues. The trade is going through a dynamic phase and has seen a huge shift, with more women working in timber and taking up leadership roles. It has really been an exciting time to be a part of and as a woman from an ethnic minority with Nigerian and Scottish heritage, I’m particularly proud to represent the diversity shown in the timber industry. With more women being present during trade shows and trade dinners, it shows that the industry is becoming more diverse and inclusive. As a proud member of the Women in Timber (WIT) committee, these trends have been encouraging, and I’m honoured to pave the way for more women from diverse ethnic backgrounds. I hope this new spotlight overall attracts more women to work in the timber sector for the future. ■
GÉRALDINE CESBRON DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE FIBOIS PAYS DE LA LOIRE
Twenty-five years ago, I began my journey at Atlanbois – now FIBOIS Pays de la Loire – as a sales assistant. I quickly became involved in major sector events such as the Carrefour International du Bois, the Maison Bois trade show, and the National forum for timber construction. These experiences led me to grow within the organisation, taking on roles in event management and marketing strategy – confirming my passion for promoting the forestry and timber industries. In 2016 I was appointed general commissioner of the Carrefour International du Bois. My goal was clear: to strengthen the event’s international reach, increase visibility for the timber industry, and position the Carrefour du Bois as the leading European event for the timber industry. Since 2018, the show has grown significantly, welcoming more exhibitors from a wider range of countries and attracting an increasingly qualified and diverse audience. This momentum has been supported by key innovations: new networking formats, high- level conferences, a stronger digital presence, and a smoother visitor experience. This success is also the result of strong collaboration with a dedicated team and close partnerships with key stakeholders in the French and international timber sector. Through my role, I strive to promote wood as the material of the future – a powerful driver of ecological, economic, and social transition. In September 2024, I was appointed deputy
chief executive of FIBOIS Pays de la Loire. I now lead the organisation’s communication strategy, continue to develop the Carrefour, and launch new initiatives in support of the industry.
I’m proud to serve a local and sustainable
sector, and eager to help meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. ■
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2025 | TTJ
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