Professional Experience
During his 30+ years in the forest products industry, first with Champion International, and later with DRI and then RISI/Paperloop, Bernard Fuller specialized in economic analysis and forecasts of the wood products industry in North America, China, Europe and South America. His areas of specialization included the markets and usages of wood products (lumber and panels), industry cost and price structures, and strategic developments within the global industry.
He authored studies on the panelboard industry (with particular reference to softwood plywood, oriented strandboard (OSB), medium density fibreboard (MDF) and particleboard), the markets for treated wood products, decorative overlays, sidings and engineered wood products (laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and wood I-joists). These studies incorporated detailed economic analysis and forecasts of the key markets for wood products including housing, furniture, residential repair and remodeling (DIY) and other major end-uses.
In addition, Bernard has experience as an expert witness in several legal cases requiring detailed understanding of the economics of wood products markets and their workings. These cases have involved companies operating in North America, Asia and Europe.
As a leading market analyst, during his tenure with RISI, Bernard was responsible for monthly and quarterly wood products forecasts, RISI conference presentations as well as presentations to most of RISI’s subscriber clients. He continues to provide services to RISI, particularly in the area of Engineered Wood Products (EWP), and works closely with the RISI economists.
Lastly, Bernard has had considerable experience working with the investment community as a consultant. He regularly meets with and talks to members of the investment community seeking to better understand market developments as well as opportunities for investors in the forest products sector. He is a member of the Gerson Lehrman Group’s (GLG) panel of experts, and is ranked within the top 5% of their group of consultants.