Bruce A. Wilson, Chairman
Mr. Wilson’s career in surety (specializing in customs), international trade insurance, ATA Carnet, customs brokerage, freight forwarding and sales spans 45 years. He is world-renowned specialist in ATA Carnets, Carnet bonds and U.S. Customs bonds.
In addition to developing innovative distribution channels through customs brokers and freight forwarders for U.S. Customs bonds in the 1960’s, he is also responsible for assisting in authoring the vast majority of customs bonds and carnet bonds in the United States. While CEO of “The Roanoke Companies” from 1969 to 1985, the company’s annual revenue from US$2,000,000 to US$45,000,000 and became a market leader in U.S. Customs bonds and marine cargo insurance.
During that time, Roanoke established six captive insurance companies, all of which survive today as mainstream companies in the US and international surety market.
From 1969 to 1982 Mr. Wilson also served as Chairman and CEO of J.E. Bernard and Co., Inc., the largest customs broker/freight forwarder in the Chicago metropolitan area with a large office and presence in New York City as well.
During that same period he was Chairman of J.E. Bernard, Ltd, a leading UK forwarding and logistics management company. He has continued as a Director of that company, now named Bernard Group Plc. The Bernard Group had a turnover of £54.7 million in fiscal year ending March 31, 2001.
Bernard Group has received gold and silver “Freight Service Awards” from the British Institute of Freight Agents (BIFA) each year since 1992, including January 2002.
Mr. Wilson’s contribution to the United States Council for International (USCIB) Business established the USCIB as the premier national guaranteeing association in the ATA Carnet system of 60 countries. He has traveled extensively internationally representing the USCIB in International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and World Customs Organization (WCO) gatherings. Through that effort he has developed a deep understanding of both North American and international surety markets.
One of his many accomplishments at USCIB was the development and implementation of a bi-lateral agreement between the United States and Taiwan that mirrors the ATA Carnet system thus opening up Taiwan to additional U.S trade and trade promotion.
Although Mr. Wilson is regarded as an expert in his fields, he is first and foremost a successful entrepreneur. His latest venture, Corporation for International Business, began as a claims handling operation for carnets and has grown into a major player in the carnet and carnet bond market in the U.S. For example, CIB’s market share has grown from 15% in 1996 to 40% in 2001 and continues to be the most innovative company of its kind. CIB’s foray into the Internet 6 years ago when the first online carnet application system was introduced, Carnets-by-Internet®, marked a significant improvement in the application process and is still the only online application available in the U.S.
Work History
1986 to present Founder/Chairman/Co-Owner, Corporation for International Business, Barrington, IL
1985-2000Director, Carnet and Customs Operations, United States Council for International Business, New York, NY
1969-1985President and Chairman, The Roanoke Companies, Washington International Insurance Company and other Subsidiaries, Schaumburg, IL
Education, Professional and Military Credentials
1968-to present Licensed Insurance Broker – State of Illinois
1949-51/54-58 Michigan State, Wayne State and Northwestern Universities
1951-1953 United States Army