Rupert Oliver, an internationally recognized authority on global forest market trends, environmental issues, policies and sustainable hardwood management, brings over 30 years of experience advising government agencies and business associations. As Environmental Policy Director at AHEC, he has led the development and strategic positioning of the AHA platform, guiding its alignment with international regulations and overseeing expert input on legality and deforestation risk assessment.
George White is a consultant, advisor, and author with 35 years of experience in the global forest industry. He has worked with leading organizations such as WWF, FLEGT IMM, and the Global Timber Forum. Before contributing to the development of the AHA platform, he authored key reports on FLEGT trade impacts and led WWF’s Global Forest & Trade Network, supporting responsible forest management worldwide. He also served as director of the Global Timber Forum, helping to build capacity in forest and timber trade associations globally
Ben Gunneberg is an international sustainability advisor with extensive experience across global companies, NGOs, and trade associations. Former CEO of PEFC for over 20 years, he built it into a global certification body active in 55+ countries. He is currently Chair of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard and Trustee of the Institute of Chartered Foresters. At AHA, Ben advises on sustainable procurement, ESG, regulatory compliance (including EUDR and CSRD), climate strategies, and governance, bringing deep expertise in environmental policy and risk management.
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David Venables has a specialist wood background, with a BSc in Timber Technology and more than thirty years experience in the international marketing of hardwood. In his time as European Director for the American Hardwood Export Council, David has transformed it into one of the most dynamic and influential wood promotion bodies in Europe. He has also spearheaded the American hardwood industry’s unique and innovative global environmental strategy, including the AHA, as well as leading pioneering efforts in the use of structural hardwoods.
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Tripp Pryor had been rooted in the hardwood industry from a young age, starting his first job at a local lumberyard near Asheville, NC. He now works with AHEC as International Program Manager at developing marketing strategies across five continents and identifying emerging markets. A seasoned traveler, he’s organized trade pavilions and events in over 20 countries. He earned his Master’s in International Business from the University of South Carolina and honed his cross-cultural skills studying marketing in Hong Kong during his undergrad years.
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