Brazil-U.S. Business Council Unanimously Elects New Board Chair
John V. Faraci, Chairman and CEO, International Paper, Elected Chairman During a, ‘Monumental Time for Business opportunities and Bilateral Cooperation’
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Board of Directors of the Brazil-U.S. Business Council, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, announced today the unanimous election of John Faraci, chairman and CEO of the International Paper Company, as the Council’s new chair.
“This is a monumental time for business opportunities and bilateral cooperation, and the Board’s choice of John Faraci as chair signals its willingness to bring the full force of the private sector to the tasks ahead,” the Council’s Executive Director, Steven Bipes said. “International Paper is a longstanding supporter of the U.S.-Brazil bilateral commercial agenda and is dedicated to economic development and creating green jobs in both countries. Faraci’s leadership sets an example for CEOs of companies driving the U.S.-Brazil commercial relationship.”
As leader of International Paper, Faraci oversees the company’s global operations with a presence in more than 20 countries. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served in many prestigious roles prior to becoming chairman and CEO in 2003. Faraci served as president, executive vice president, and chief financial officer to the company—roles that represent more than a decade of service.
International Paper is a global paper, packaging, and distribution leader that creates a wide range of products that people rely on every day. Currently, International Paper operates three core facilities in Brazil with approximately 2,500 employees and grossed $1.1 billion in revenue in 2009. Worldwide, the company proudly employs more than 60,000 people.
“The election of Dilma Rousseff as the next president of Brazil, together with sustained high growth in the Brazilian market, create unparalleled business opportunities for Brazilian and U.S. companies, particularly in the areas of energy security and critical infrastructure,” said Faraci. “Through our strong relationships and partnerships, we will continue our work to ensure a stable and enhanced business environment, while fostering strong bilateral ties between our two governments.”
Faraci succeeds co-chairs Ambassador Anthony Harrington, president and CEO of Albright Stonebridge, and Frederick Werner, executive vice president, business lines, of AECOM. Albright Stonebridge Group is a global strategy firm that helps clients navigate the intersection of business, finance, government and civil society in markets around the world. AECOM Technology Corporation is a $6 billion global provider of professional, technical and management support services.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank Messrs. Harrington and Werner for their outstanding leadership and continuing contributions to the Council’s ongoing advocacy efforts,” Bipes said. “We are delighted they will continue to provide expertise and guidance to the Council’s Board as vice chairs in 2011.”
The U.S. Section of the Brazil-U.S. Council represents major U.S. companies invested in Brazil and works collaboratively with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Brazil Section of the Council is managed by the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI), composed of the 27 Brazilian state-level federations of industry and trade associations. Working in conjunction with the American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil, this powerful structure enables the Council to forge consensus between the two private sectors and communicate to both governments with a unique bilateral voice. For more information, please visit www.brazilcouncil.org.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
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