Gordon Murray Named 2024 Canadian Biomass Champion of the Year
Gordon Murray’s path from a forestry operations manager to an acclaimed leader in the bioenergy sector as executive-director of the Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC) reflects a career marked by significant transitions and a passion for sustainability.
Murray was honoured as the 2024 Champion of the Year at the Canadian Biomass Awards.
After graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and qualifying as a registered professional forester, Murray’s early career revolved around forest operations for leading lumber manufacturers in British Columbia.
His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to establish a forestry contracting business, cultivating a team that would grow to more than 20 employees, which he managed until his financial interests prompted a shift in focus towards becoming a chartered professional accountant in 2003.
This financial expertise transitioned him into a pivotal role at WPAC in 2008. It wasn’t long before he was at the helm as the executive director, a role he has cherished for the past 16 years.
“I didn’t deliberately seek this position, but I rapidly grew an enormous passion for bioenergy and have been thrilled to be part of our industry’s growth and success,” he said.