The RISI Power List 2009

By Mark Rushton, Editor, PPI magazine, Graeme Rodden, Executive Editor, PPI magazine, Annie Zhu, Features Editor, PPI magazine, and Rhiannon James-Van Beuningen, Senior Vice President, Media Products, RISI

BRUSSELS, July 29, 2009 (RISI) - They're back! The RISI Top 50 Power List of the industry's movers and shakers makes its second appearance. As per last year, we gathered opinion from inside our ranks (editors, economists, engineers) as well as from our myriad outside sources to determine who belongs on this list, that is, the people who wield the power.

There are some familiar names on the list. But there has been quite a bit of change as well.

Perhaps it is a reflection of the tough times the industry is facing at this moment but the top of the list is dominated by the producers. Although they cannot make the markets, they are the ones responsible for directing their companies through these tough times and who have to set their firms up to be in a position to take advantage of the upswing when it comes.

Speaking of making markets, again this year we have selected an eclectic group, some of who are indeed in a position to influence markets and maybe not always in the way this industry wants. Again, the objective is to provide a picture of different influencers who contribute to our global industry. They come from all walks: producers, suppliers, labor, association, government, NGOs, buyers. Perhaps the bad times are also reflected in the fact that no supplier, other than one involved in the bioenergy field, makes the list this year. Hopefully, times will turn around enough that they will be again a force to be reckoned with in 2010. The times may also be an indicator of the importance of the financial analysts who make up three of our number.

We also have a new Number 1, two-time RISI Latin American CEO of the Year, Jose Luciano Penido of Votorantim Celulose e Papel (VCP). He led his company through the $1.1 billion merger with Aracruz, creating the world's largest market pulp producer. To top off a year of accomplishment, the new 1.3-million tonne/yr Tres Lagoas mill started up in March, a month ahead of schedule.

Obviously, it needs to be stated again this year that in a non-scientific poll such as this, there will be worthy people left off (or should have been) and there will be discussion about the rankings. The aim is to create a dialogue with our readers. We want to hear from you about people who have not made this list and should have. We also want to hear your opinions about the people on it. Please email your comments to grodden@risiinfo.com or post them directly on the RISI Forum.

RISI Power List 2009: 1-10

RISI Power List 2009: 11-20

RISI Power List 2009: 21-30

RISI Power List 2009: 31-40

RISI Power List 2009: 41-50