Monday, August 14, 2023
West Fraser President and CEO Ray Ferris is set to retire at the end of the year. Current COO Sean McLaren will take over the role of president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2024.
The news was recently annouced by Hank Ketcham, chairman of West Fraser’s Board of Directors.
Ferris has been with West Fraser for more than 26 years. He was appointed president and
COO in 2018, and named president, CEO and a director of the company in 2019. During his
tenure as CEO West Fraser has grown substantially in sales, profits, product mix and geographic diversification, the company said in a statement. “In addition, Ray has driven our strong commitment to continual improvement in our safety, environmental and people programs.”
“West Fraser has benefited immeasurably from Ray’s strong leadership and our Board enthusiastically looks forward to our continued growth and success under McLaren’s leadership.”
McLaren has been with West Fraser and predecessor companies for 35 years. “He is a proven
leader who is committed to our operating philosophy of low cost production and a prudent
balance sheet which enables the company to grow through capital improvements and strategic
growth opportunities. Sean will continue West Fraser’s commitment to our strong safety,
environmental and people focused culture,” Ketcham added.
Tags: board of directors, CEO, geographic diversification, Hank Ketcham, leadership transition, McLaren, Ray Ferris, west fraser
