Ian Mence OAM

A pioneer of the Australian timber industry, an educator in entrepreneurship and a community leader, Ian Mence’s extraordinary feats cut across a number of sectors.

A product of the BGS Junior School, Ian spent the 1960s cutting his teeth in sales, financial analysis and management that would prove invaluable. By 1969 Ian founded Mence Timber Australia, which from humble beginnings as a cheap furniture manufacturer grew to turning over $100m annually. It was during this time that Leeron Investments was born, specialising in the seasoning and machining of Tasmanian hardwood. In 2012, Ian was appointed as the Chairman of the Forestry Industry Council.

A Guest Lecturer on Entrepreneurship and Small Business, and in conjunction with The University of Melbourne, Ian established the Melbourne Accelerator Program in 2012, with 22,000 members taught business education by experienced business people.

Ian has held past positions as a Councillor of the Brighton Community Hospital, Chairman of the Bayside Drug and Youth Suicide Centre and Board Member of the Mayflower Retirement Community.