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 //