Andrew has a PhD Forestry, an MSc Forest Science, a BSc Forest Science and a NDip Forestry. He has visited over 30 countries in his 20-year forestry career and began his career as a practising forester and managed new plantation developments in pine, eucalypt and wattle plantations. During his early career he managed fire protection, silviculture, harvesting, roads and transport activities.

As his career progressed, his technical strengths emerged, and he filled technical management functions in commercial forestry culminating in his being appointed the Forest Engineering Manager of Mondi Forests. This significant practical and technical exposure has resulted in him having a keen understanding of the technical needs of operational forestry. The move to a university position resulted in the expansion of industry networks, improved academic, teaching and research skills, and marked the beginning of a productive consulting career in forestry. Many technical and capacity improvement consulting jobs around the world expanded his competence base considerably. This unique and unparalleled combination of strong operational background, sound technical and research skills, specialised industry training skills and high level academic qualifications have allowed for high performance management within the technical field.