Feb 24, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Cascades Inc. appointed Mario Plourde as Chief Operating Officer. This appointment is part of a transition process within Cascades, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. "Mario Plourde joined Cascades after graduation and over the years he has risen through the ranks to become a key member of our management team. His appointment today is a clear expression of not only our confidence in Mario's leadership but also our desire to ensure the continuity of our corporate culture. Moreover, Mr. Plourde's enhanced role in management will enable my brothers and me to devote more time to the strategic vision of the Company for the future", declared Alain Lemaire, Cascades' President and CEO. In carrying out his duties, Mario Plourde will work in close collaboration with the group presidents in the recovery, packaging and tissue paper sectors, in the pursuit of operational and business objectives. Mario will retain responsibility for managing the Specialty Products Group until his successor for him has been chosen. He joined Cascades in 1985 as a controller. He was then promoted to the position of plant manager, then General Manager and Vice-President and COO of the Specialty Products Group. In 2000, Cascades named him President and COO of this group. Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products composed mainly of recycled fibres.