Resolute Forest Products Inc., Montreal, Que., Canada, this week announced the selection and appointment of Yves Laflamme as its new president and CEO, and a member of the Resolute Board of Directors, succeeding Richard Garneau, who retired effective Feb. 1, 2018.

"The Resolute Board of Directors enthusiastically supports Yves Laflamme's selection, recognizing his good judgment and strong business acumen. Yves has a strong reputation in the industry, a well-refined focus on costs, and built teams that consistently deliver results. There is no better person to lead Resolute into the future," stated Bradley P. Martin, chairman of the board of directors. "The choice of an internal candidate to succeed Richard Garneau is a credit to the internal talent developed by the company. Yves' appointment is also a reaffirmation of our strategic direction."

Under Garneau's leadership, Resolute established a competitive cost structure and diversified asset base, a conservative capital structure, and a sustainable business strategy. His unwavering commitment to a safe workplace and environmental stewardship has earned North American and global recognition.

In expressing its appreciation to Garneau, the Resolute Board of Directors recognized his dedication, strength of purpose, and personal integrity. "Resolute is a stronger, more dynamic, and far more sustainable company today following Richard's seven-year tenure as president and CEO," added Martin.

 

"Richard personified courageous leadership, not only tackling complex issues but also challenging the status quo. Richard above all else is a man of his word, and Resolute in turn reflects this transparency and integrity. His principled leadership and insistence on truly sustainable outcomes have set the foundation for shared prosperity."

Laflamme stated that "I am honored to now lead Resolute as we take our next steps, further defining our collective future. We will build on the positive momentum, and continue to make Resolute a profitable and sustainable company. Richard led by example, exemplified principled leadership, and built upon his knowledge with a commitment to life-long learning. We are very pleased that Richard has agreed to stay on in an advisory capacity, working with me on specific mandates."

Laflamme currently serves as SVP, Wood Products, Global Procurement and Information Technology for Resolute. He is a 37-year veteran of the industry, as well as Resolute and its predecessor companies. Laflamme began his career in Finance, working at Donohue Inc.'s Saint-Félicien integrated pulp mill and wood products operations in 1981, and moved on to serve as controller for the company's integrated newsprint and wood products facilities in the Abitibi region of Quebec. Dring the past 15 years, he held a series of successive roles as VP and SVP, covering the overall wood products business, including both operations and sales, as well as the company's former recycling business. 

During the past several years, Laflamme expanded his scope to also include a wide range of corporate support functions, including IT and global procurement, among others. In addition, he led a number of important mandates for the company, including M&A activity and enterprise resource planning (ERP), and has represented Resolute in major negotiations with governments. Laflamme currently serves as chairman of Resolute-LP Engineered Wood joint ventures, a board member of Toundra Greenhouse, an executive team member of the Quebec Forest Industry Council, and is a past chairman of the Canadian Wood Council. He is a CPA (CMA), after pursuing his university education in administration and finance.  

 

"Yves has the depth of experience, necessary skill set and track record of success, prerequisites for the top job in this challenging industry environment. Yves is a tireless worker who has never lost sight of his roots. He has high expectations and is fair," said Garneau. "Yves' strong leadership traits have positioned Resolute's wood products business as top tier, and have given the company a competitive edge across business cycles." 

Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint, and specialty papers, which are marketed in close to 70 countries. The company owns or operates some 40 manufacturing facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the U.S. and Canada. Resolute has third-party certified 100% of its managed woodlands to internationally recognized sustainable forest management standards. Resolute has received regional, North American and global recognition for its leadership in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, as well as for its business practices. For more information about Resolute, visit the company’s web site.