Hank Ketcham, Chairman of West Fraser’s Board of Directors, announced that Ray Ferris, the President and Chief Executive Officer, plans to retire on December 31, 2023. Ray Ferris has been with West Fraser for over 26 years, he was appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer in 2018 and as President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the company in 2019.
West Fraser announced the appointment of Sean McLaren, its current Chief Operating Officer, as new President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2024. Sean has been with West Fraser and predecessor companies for 35 years.
Mr. McLaren began his career with West Fraser in 2005, as GM of the Williams Lake Sawmill, when West Fraser acquired Weldwood. He became President, Solid Wood in February 2021 and is currently based in Germantown, Tennessee. Previous roles at West Fraser include Vice-President, U.S. Lumber in February 2016 and Vice-President, U.S. Lumber Operations in October 2010. Mr. McLaren holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Calgary and is a Chartered Professional Accountant in British Columbia.
