Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainably sourced wood, has announced the appointment of Mauro Affuso as the company’s General Manager for the Middle East.
Developed in Norway and underpinned by a pioneering patent-protected chemical technology, Kebony produces enhanced dually modified cladding and decking materials that are environmentally friendly, durable, and beautiful, helping to revolutionise the ‘new normal’ of sustainable standards for the global construction industry, said the company in a statement.
By permanently transforming sustainable softwood species such as pine into Kebony wood, with features that are comparable, and in some cases superior, to those of tropical hardwoods, Kebony continues to divert the need for deforestation of precious and sanctioned hardwoods and is helping reduce global CO₂ emissions through the protection of vital rainforest carbon sinks like the Amazon, it stated.
Affuso joins Kebony with an extensive portfolio of managing distribution partnerships, marketing strategies, and sales coordination of organisations that are making advancements in the global construction industry.
This appointment will further establish the company’s strong presence in the Middle East, with Kebony wood cladding and decking materials featured across a range of landmark public infrastructure projects built in collaboration with world leading architecture studios including the Lusail Plaza in Doha, designed by Foster + Partners for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, and the Bluewaters Island in Dubai, said the statement.
With Dubai set to host the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in November, the sustainable development and growth of the region comes into greater focus ahead of the key summit on rising global temperatures.
Kebony’s latest phase of global expansion responds to increasing demand by local architects for pioneering timber products that supplement the dual challenge of lowering a project’s carbon footprint, while retaining the aesthetic and durable qualities to achieve the quality contemporary designs that are internationally synonymous with the Middle East, it added.
On his new role, Affuso said: "The Middle East team is looking forward to driving growth by supporting the architect and design community, ensuring the highest level of competence and service throughout the entire process, from specification until after sales."
Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager for Kebony, said: "We are delighted to welcome Mauro to the Kebony team, bringing with him his extensive knowledge and experience of the construction industry across the Middle East."
"The region continues to grow in status as a world centre for innovative new architectural solutions, and we look forward to supporting the delivery of local projects conscious of the burgeoning need for environmental responsibility," he added.-TradeArabia News Service