Plourde to Succeed Lemaire as President of Cascades

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Cascades President and CEO Alain Lemaire this week announced that he will be passing his company positions to Mario Plourde, currently COO of the company. The transfer will take place on May 9, following a two-year transition period. Lemaire also indicated that he will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors.

"Of course, I will continue to support Mario in his daily activities, and I also intend to remain involved with the company, returning to my original passion by putting my technical skills to use in the various groups," Lemaire said. His brothers Bernard and Laurent will also remain active, continuing to serve on the board and the executive committee, and participating in the company's strategic planning.

"In February 2011, we announced the nomination of Mario Plourde to the position of COO. He belongs to the new generation of competent and dedicated leaders at Cascades, and he is a true believer in our values. At the same time, we announced the beginning of a transition process that would ensure a sound business succession. We had a plan, and we carried it out. After nearly 10 years at the head of the company, my brothers and I feel it is time to pass on the torch and make room for the younger generation," Lemaire said.

Plourde commented that "today, I'd like to thank Bernard, Laurent, and Alain for the trust they are placing in me," said Plourde. "It is a real honor to take over the reins of the company they have built with their own hands, and that has become one of the most admired businesses in the province. I am looking forward to perpetuating the values of the company, and taking the torch they have carried for close to 50 years. I want Cascades employees to know that they can count on me to be there, and that I am fully committed and dedicated to the company. In these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever to remain unified, stay the course, and build an increasingly efficient business." 

Since his arrival at Cascades in 1985, Plourde has occupied various positions including controller, plant manager, and general manager. In 1997, he was appointed president and COO of the Specialty Products Group, and was president of this group from 2000 to 2010.