Mr Van Leeuwen joined the International Wood Markets Group in 1998 and was a key part of the growth and success of the company following his 25-year career in the sawmilling business with Interfor (Vancouver, BC).
The breadth and scope of Mr Van Leeuwen’s consulting work covered a broad range of topics, products and geographies. He developed a unique ability where he could match the timber resources and markets with the optimal manufacturing processes to achieve value for clients.
It was in the international consulting field where Mr Van Leeuwen’s skills were particularly evident.
For example, he spent 18 months (including 11 return flights) in South Africa on a major timberland, sawmill and plywood mill bid by an investor, and the successful acquisition was followed by an integration/implementation strategy.
