by Kathleen McInerney

This week, during the annual Brazil-U.S. Business Council Plenary meeting - hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil - the Council unanimously elected John Faraci, chairman and CEO of the International Paper Company, as the new board chair.

The Board’s choice of John as chair signals its willingness to bring the full force of the private sector to the tasks ahead. International Paper is a longstanding supporter of the U.S.-Brazil bilateral commercial agenda and is dedicated to economic development and creating green jobs in both countries. John’s leadership sets an example for CEOs of companies driving the U.S.-Brazil commercial relationship.

As leader of International Paper, Faraci oversees the company’s global operations with a presence in more than 20 countries. Currently, International Paper operates three core facilities in Brazil with approximately 2,500 employees and grossed $1.1 billion in revenue in 2009. Worldwide, the company proudly employs more than 60,000 people.

IP has played a major roll at the Plenary in other ways as well. On Tuesday, the Plenary heard from Jean Michel Ribieras, President of International Paper Latin America, and other speakers during discussions on how to improve the economic relationship between Brazil and the U.S., identifying potential bilateral  trade and investment challenges, and examining companies that have successfully expanded their businesses ties in both markets.

It truly is a monumental time for business opportunities and bilateral cooperation between Brazil and the U.S. and the Council will continue to the forge consensus between the two private sectors and communicate to both governments with a unique bilateral voice.