VANCOUVER, B.C.  - West Fraser announced a number of management changes at the Canadian lumber and panel producing firm, including the appointment of Ray Ferris to executive vice-president and COO. Ferris is the current vice-president, Wood Products.

Also announced by West Fraser (TSX: WFT) are the upcoming retirements of  Peter Rippon, vice-president, Pulp and Energy, at the end of April 2016, and Dave Lehane, vice-president, Woodlands, at the end of June 2016.

Peter Rippon (left) and Dave Lehane (right)

"Peter and Dave have each made enormous contributions to West Fraser over their long careers with us," stated Ted Seraphim, president and CEO. "They each exemplify the West Fraser culture of hard work, commitment and strong fundamental values. We will miss working with them and wish them all the best in their retirements."

Other management changes at the Vancouver-based company include: the appointment of Chris McIver, vice-president, Lumber Sales and Corporate Development, to vice-president, Sales and Marketing; Sean McLaren, vice-president, U.S. Lumber Operations, to vice-president, U.S. Lumber; Brian Balkwill, general manager, Canadian Lumber, to vice-president, Canadian Lumber; Keith Carter, general manager, Pulp Operations, to vice-president, Pulp and Energy Operations; Larry Gardner, general manager, Canadian Woodlands Operations, to vice-president, Canadian Woodlands and will assume the Canadian woodlands responsibilities of Lehane on his retirement; and Chuck Watkins, general manager, U.S. Lumber Manufacturing to vice-president, U.S. Lumber Manufacturing.

Seraphim added, "We are delighted that Brian, Larry, Keith and Chuck are joining our executive team and are also delighted that Ray, Chris and Sean will assume broader responsibilities as key members of our executive team. These appointments and changes are part of a long-term advancement process. We have a deep talent pool at our senior management level which will help ensure a smooth and orderly implementation of our long-term management advancement and succession process."

West Fraser produces lumber, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, wood chips and energy with facilities in western Canada and the southern United States.