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Rick R. Holley is CEO of a real estate investment trust that owns about 6.3 million acres in 19 states, including 720,000 acres in 22 counties in Arkansas.

Before becoming CEO of Plum Creek Timber in 1994, Holley had served as vice president and chief financial officer since 1985. He began his career at General Electric Co. in 1974, where he served in a variety of financial management positions. In 1983, he joined Burlington Northern Inc. where he worked as assistant vice president, corporate audit. He held that position until joining Plum Creek in 1985.

Holley received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and business administration from San Jose State University. He also completed an advanced education program at Northwestern University.

Q: What is your outlook on timber demand going forward for, say, the next year or two?

A: Timber demand is directly correlated to lumber production. In the depth of the recession, North American lumber production fell to 43 billion board feet (from a peak of 78 billion board feet in 2005). Through the modest recovery we’ve seen, lumber production has grown to 53 billion board feet — a nice improvement, but still below historical levels. As housing recovers to what most believe to be a demographically supportable number of 1.5-1.6 million starts, lumber production will need to increase to 64 billion board feet to meet demand.

For the rest of the interview from Arkansas Business visit: http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/95821/timber-magnate-rick-holly-sees-recovery-for-lumber