Rayonier, Jacksonville, Fla., USA, has appointed Benson K. Woo chief accounting officer, effective this past Monday, June 9. Following the June 27 separation, Rayonier’s Performance Fibers business will become Rayonier Advanced Materials, an independent publicly-traded company initially focused on the production of high-purity cellulose specialties products. Upon separation, Woo will assume the role of CFO of Rayonier Advanced Materials. 

 

Woo brings more than 30 years of financial and executive management experience, most recently as EVP and CFO of Prestolite Electric, a global manufacturer of alternator and starter motors for heavy-duty applications. He began his career at General Motors, rising through the ranks over 15 years in a variety of financial roles in Michigan, New York, Canada, and Brazil. He later led the financial functions of several leading companies, primarily in the manufacturing sector, including Case Corp., York International Corp., Metris Companies, TriMas Corp., and Tower Automotive. 

 

"Benson’s strong record of financial leadership in the manufacturing sector and his knowledge of global markets will benefit us greatly as we look to grow Rayonier Advanced Materials after the separation," said Paul Boynton, chairman, president, and CEO of Rayonier and future chairman, president, and CEO of Rayonier Advanced Materials. "With the addition of Benson, I’m confident that the new senior leadership team for Rayonier Advanced Materials possesses the talent and experience necessary to continue to deliver the long-term value that our shareholders have come to expect from our business."

 

Woo earned a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA in finance from Harvard Business School. He has extensive experience conducting business in Europe, Latin America, and Asia and is fluent in Portuguese and Cantonese.