Forest sector research body undergoes reorganization

Montreal, QC – Forest industry research organization FPInnovations has unveiled a new organizational structure. The reorganization follows an in-depth review of its business model which it says required a series of changes to better position itself as a strategic partner to industry members and clients, federal and provincial governments, and the larger research community, especially universities.

The organization also says it will keep a strong hold on R&D through its collaborative research with forest industry members. To this, it is adding a business development component which encompasses strategic research alliances; products and services; and licensing and ventures.

“It became clear that the collaborative research approach, which served us very well for many decades, was no longer sufficient to help us support our members and partners in pursuit of their new goals,” said Pierre Lapointe, FPInnovations’ president and chief executive officer. “Although R&D remains the heart and soul of the organization, we are now equipped with new business tools to help FPInnovations continue to deliver results in the pursuit of transforming the Canadian forest industry.”

Business development vice president Hervé Deschênes will ensure the organization’s business alignment with potential customers and members in terms of licensing and ventures; building strategic research alliances; and developing new products and services. The business groups reporting structure also includes intellectual property, and membership recruitment; business analysis; and sales, products and services. In addition to leading the PIT (Transportation) research program, he will take on and develop the markets & economics group.

Research vice president of pulp, paper and bioproducts Jean Hamel will lead the following research programs: market pulps, paper, packaging and consumer products, biorefinery and bioenergy, and biomaterials.

Research vice president of forest products and wood products Peter Lister will lead the following research programs: forest operations, wildfire operations, primary wood products manufacturing, secondary wood products manufacturing, and advanced building systems.

Research vice president of resource assessment George Bruemmer will lead the resource assessment research program, in addition to his other responsibilities with the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre.

The research and business development vice presidents will report to Alan Potter, executive vice president, who will ensure that all the research programs and associated research teams present FPInnovations’ enhanced value proposition to its industry members, clients and partners.

“I am convinced that this is the right move for FPInnovations. These changes will help us explore new partnerships with energy and chemical industries to name a few,” said Pierre Lapointe.