The Wood Pellet Association of Canada’s (WPAC) 2026 Annual Conference kicked off its conference sessions today in Victoria, B.C. by recognizing the association’s longtime president Vaughan Bassett.
Bassett, who recently announced his retirement from his position as senior vice-president of biomass sales and logistics at Drax, was recognized for his 15 years serving as president of WPAC and his many accomplishments moving the wood pellet sector forward.
“During that time, he’s been not only one of the most important leaders in our association and our industry, but also a valued colleague and a very dear friend,” said Gordon Murray, executive director of WPAC. “Vaughan came to the pellet industry after a long and distinguished international career in pulp and paper. He brought with him a deep understanding of global markets, a strategic mind, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. He’s been one of the leading figures in the development of the Canadian and international wood pellet industries.”
Bassett helped establish the wood pellet sector’s presence in Korea, greatly expanded the market in Japan, and played a central role in building Pinnacle Pellet, and later, Drax, into a truly global wood pellet business, Murray told the crowd.
Murray noted Bassett’s willingness to say what he thinks, asking difficult questions, bringing forward new ideas, and challenging people to do better.
“His goal has always been to arrive at the best decision for the industry and the association,” Murray said, adding that he has come to greatly value Bassett’s council. “Even when Vaughan challenged me, and perhaps especially when he challenged me, I knew that his advice was thoughtful, honest, grounded, and tremendous experience.”
Yasuhisa Okamoto, managing director of Drax Asia Japan, also shared his thoughts and experiences working alongside Bassett at Drax.
“I wonder how many people in this room truly understand the impact that Vaughan Bassett has had on our industry,” he said. “I have had the privilege of working alongside Vaughan for many years, and I can say with much confidence that Vaughan helped build a better export industry on Canada’s West Coast.”
Together, Okamoto and Bassett worked on the commercial market developing customer relationships and establishing supply chains that barely existed when they started out, Okamoto told the crowd, adding that the industry now generates well over US$800 million annually; supporting communities, jobs, and economic growth across British Columbia and Canada.
“What has always impressed me about Vaughan is not only his vision, but also his integrity, determination, and ability to bring the people together,” Okamoto said. “Many people benefit today from the industry he helped create, whether they realize it or not. On a personal note, thank you for your friendship and your guidance and your trust over all these years.”
Murray ended his speech by stating that Bassett helped shape the industry, strengthen WPAC, and make a lasting contribution to all that have had the privilege of working with him over the years.
“On behalf of the board, our members, and everyone at WPAC, thank you for your leadership, your candor, your ideas, and your many years of service. And for me personally, thank you for your counsel, your loyalty, and most of all, your friendship. I care about you very much, Vaughan, and I’m deeply grateful for all the years we spent working, debating, laughing, and occasionally sparring together,” he said.
Always his genuine self, Bassett commented on the kind words from his colleagues as the session wrapped up.
“None of them are true, but all of them are very well received. So, thank you, I appreciate it,” he said.
This article was originally published in Canadian Biomass.