Cascades Appoints Hugues Simon to Succeed Mario Plourde as President and CEO
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Cascades announced the appointment of Hugues Simon as its new President and CEO. Currently, Mr. Simon is President of the Wood Products business at Resolute Forest Products. He will assume his new role at Cascades no later than July 1, 2024.
The appointment follows an extensive succession planning and recruitment process, supported by an international firm, in anticipation of Mario Plourde's planned retirement. After more than 11 years at the helm of the Cascades, Mr. Plourde will support the new President and CEO during a transition period lasting until December 2024, after which he will act as a Special Advisor.
"We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Hugues as President and CEO," said Patrick Lemaire, Chairman of Cascades' Board of Directors. "His extensive experience in leadership positions in the industrial products sector will be a great asset to the Company and to our customers. His track record demonstrates a deep commitment to operational excellence, and we have full confidence that his expertise and experience will contribute to Cascades' ongoing success and create value for our shareholders."
A graduate in administration from the Université de Sherbrooke, Mr. Simon has over 30 years of experience in key positions in the manufacturing sector. Prior to his position at Resolute, Simon served as President of BarretteWood, where he worked from 2012 to 2020.
Mr. Simon commented, "It is with great humility that I am joining the team at Cascades, a company with both a rich history and deeply ingrained values. I am proud to join a company that is recognized as a pioneer in recycling and the circular economy committed to innovation and a client-centric approach, all of which is reflected in the quality of its products and its people. I look forward to working with all the employees and continuing the important work begun under Mario's leadership, ensuring the company's long-term growth and value creation. I would like to thank Cascades' Board of Directors for their confidence."
Mario Plourde said, "It is with great emotion that I am announcing my retirement after nearly 40 years at Cascades. It has been a great privilege to work with the Lemaire family and the entire Cascades team. I am leaving with the knowledge that the company is in an excellent position as it embarks on this new chapter.
"I would like to thank the Board of Directors, the management team, our shareholders, and all our employees for their unwavering dedication. The time has come for me to pass the torch, and I am confident that Hugues' expertise and experience will enable him to successfully lead Cascades," Mr. Plourde added.
