Des O’Toole is a structural engineer and business development expert with over 30 years of experience in the forestry and forest products sector. 

As Head of Marketing & Communications at Coillte Forest, he plays a pivotal role in promoting homegrown timber products and driving growth within the Irish forest products industry. His work bridges the gap between innovation and market demand, ensuring sustainable practices while elevating the visibility of Irish timber.

Des is a member of the NSAI Timber Standards Consultative Committee and has served as the past President of the Irish Bioenergy Association. He is also the co-author of Woodspec, a comprehensive 400-page guide for timber specifiers, which underscores his commitment to knowledge-sharing in the industry. Currently, he chairs the Communications Working Group for the Interdepartmental Timber in Construction Steering Group, where he continues to advocate for advancements in timber utilisation.