BRAZIL - The Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá), an association that brings together the productive chain of trees planted for industrial purposes, announced that Paulo Hartung has assumed the executive presidency of the entity as of March 18.

With extensive experience in public life, the new executive of Ibá takes over the position with the objective of continuing the work of image of the sector and representation of the entire chain in the national and international spheres.

“It is a great challenge and I am very confident that I will have a positive journey in Ibá. It is an economically very important sector, which accounts for about 6.1% of the Industrial GDP and accounts for 4.1% of all Brazilian exports. In addition, it is a key segment for the environment, as it removes and stores carbon in its forests, protects biodiversity and conserves 5.6 million hectares in natural areas. We have to value all this, especially at a time when the country will undergo reforms, is recovering economically and we discuss much about climate change worldwide. I am sure that my experience will add up at this moment,” says Paulo Hartung, Ibá’s CEO.

Paulo Hartung began his activities in public life early in student movements in college. Since then he has held various positions, always leaving behind his legacy. Ibá’s executive has already been elected state deputy for two terms in Espírito Santo; a federal deputy for the same state, was mayor of Vitória, took over the Economic and Social Development Board of the Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES), was elected Senator of the Republic, and for three opportunities (2003-2010 and 2015-2018) was governor of the State of Espírito Santo.

“I have the complete confidence that Paulo Hartung will do a magnificent job at the helm of the association and maintain excellence in all of Ibá's areas of expertise. With extensive experience in public life, technical capacity and country vision, I am sure it is the ideal name to represent and help us in the challenges of the sector. Paulo honors us with his decision to join the association,” commented the president of the Deliberative Council of Ibá, Horacio Lafer Piva.

The new executive president of Ibá will represent an industry that in 2018 exported USD 10.7 billion and ended the year with a gross revenue of BRL 73.8 billion. Altogether, the segment generates 3.7 million jobs in the country.