On behalf of the Board of Directors of FPInnovations, Montreal, Que., Canada, Yvon Pelletier, chairman of the board, this week announced that Pierre Lapointe (photo), president and CEO of FPInnovations, is stepping down from his position. A selection process will be started over the next few weeks and Lapointe will remain in office until his replacement is appointed – likely sometime this Fall.

 

"I am very grateful for the work Pierre has done since taking office on December 1, 2008," said Mr. Pelletier. "Under his leadership, FPInnovations has positioned itself as Canada’s Forest Sector Innovation Hub, thanks to many landmark projects."

 

Lapointe led projects such as building the world’s first nanocrystalline cellulose demonstration plant in partnership with Domtar, implementing the first cellulose filaments demonstration plant in the world in partnership with Kruger, as well as creating a lignin extraction plant in Thunder Bay in partnership with Resolute Forest Products. He is known for his energy and dynamism, and above all, his passion for innovation and research.

 

Earlier this year, Lapointe was recognized by the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and The Royal Canadian Geographical Society for his contribution to science, both nationally and internationally. In 2015, as part of the 100th anniversary of the Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada, he was presented the John S. Bates Memorial Gold Medal, one of PAPTAC’s most prestigious individual honors, awarded to a member of the Association in recognition of its great contribution to the science and technology of the pulp and paper industry. In 2009, he was awarded the title of Officer of the Ordre des Palmes académiques (Order of Academic Palms) for his contribution to academic integration between France and Quebec. 

Lapointe is now ready to spend more quality time with his family. "This decision was not taken lightly. I firmly believe that FPInnovations is a model for research institutes. I have been extremely proud to represent FPInnovations to our members and stakeholders, in Canada and around the world," he said. "Our strategic action plan, business model, and all of the work done by our employees will certainly position FPInnovations for a very successful future." 

FPInnovations is a not-for-profit, world-leading R&D institute that specializes in the creation of scientific solutions in support of the Canadian forest sector’s global competitiveness and responds to the priority needs of its industry members and government partners. It is ideally positioned to perform research, innovate, and deliver state-of-the-art solutions for every area of the sector’s value chain, from forest operations to consumer and industrial products. FPInnovations’ staff numbers more than 500. Its research laboratories are located in Quebec City, Montreal, and Vancouver, and it has technology transfer offices across Canada. More information about FPInnovations is available online.