REGULARS - PERSONALITY PROFILE
Oscar Bupo : integrating forests and markets
Oscar Bupo came to South Africa in 1982 after graduating as a forest engineer in Argentina and today holds the proud position of CEO of Bedson Timbers .
By Ilana Koegelenberg
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS CEO OF BEDSON TIMBERS ?
My main responsibility is to steer the company and navigate through these tough economic times while maintaining a clear long-term vision .
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN YOUR TENURE AS CEO ?
We ’ re working on developing our regional business in the African continent and increase our market share in sub- Saharan African countries .
We have developed a strong brand name with superior quality products in some key market segments . For instance , flooring , décor products , developing of new products made from solid wood , establishing our own forests and introducing e-commerce into our product offerings .
IN YOUR OPINION WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES THAT THE TIMBER INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS TO OVERCOME ?
We need a stable rate of exchange , increased training for our work force so that higher value exportable products can reach the international market place .
EXPLAIN HOW YOU GOT STARTED AND HOW YOU ENDED UP WHERE YOU ARE TODAY .
I grew up in a forestry area , densely populated with sawmills in the northern part of Argentina , which is where my interest for the industry began . I am a forest engineer who graduated from La Plata University in Buenos Aires , Argentina . It is a six-year degree that includes forest management practicals in different environments like swamps , tropical and Patagonian forests .
After studying , I came to South Africa in 1982 . I was part of a great team doing research in wood technology . It was then called National Timber Research Institute at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research ( CSIR ). In 1988 , I started trading internationally in timber and timber products .
DO YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU DO AND WHY ?
Yes , I do . Forestry is a critical activity for any country that cares about the environment and its people . It creates jobs , wealth and is self-sustainable .
Forests increase the independence of a country because any country that produces its own paper is free from foreign media pressure and creates wealth .
My favourite part of the job is to guide the team and help each member develop to their full potential .
HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF BEDSON TIMBERS ?
Next year , the first production of our own
Oscar Bupo , CEO of Bedson Timbers . Image : Bedson Timbers
forests in South America will come to fruition , which is my vision for the company that I developed in the early 2000s . Then , we will have a true pyramidal integration between forests and markets .
Bedson Timbers is well positioned to continuously bring innovative developments to the market .
WHICH BIG PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN PART OF ?
Many , but some prominent ones include :
• Dubai Airport mall ;
• Pretoria University Library ;
• Baku Shopping Mall , Baku , Azerbaijan ;
• Intercontinental Hotel , Sandton City ;
• Dainfern Country Club , Fourways ;
• Silverlakes Golf Estate , Pretoria ;
• Sheraton Hotel , Pretoria ;
• Woodhill Golf Estate ; and
• Thabazimbi lodges .
WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY ?
Pay attention to detail and facilitate the individual growth of our team members ; when each member grows , the company grows . This must be done in harmony , in a pleasant and cordial environment for all stakeholders . If we work hard , with integrity and persevere , we will keep on growing sustainably .
48 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 //