Western Forest Products Inc. has appointed Steven Hofer as its President and CEO and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, effective September 7, 2022. Mr. Hofer succeeds Don Demens, who will remain at Western in an advisory capacity until March 31, 2023 to ensure a seamless transition. Mr. Demens will step down from the Board effective September 7, 2022.
Mr. Hofer joins Western from BID Group, a global leader in wood processing technologies and solutions. At BID Group Mr. Hofer was responsible for creating and leading its key strategic initiatives, including BID’s digital technology strategy to drive revenue growth and market, product and geographic diversification. Mr. Hofer started his career in the BC Coastal forest products sector and has deep and expansive industry experience.
Mr. Hofer has more than 25 years of leadership experience in the forest products industry with proven, long-lasting results identifying opportunities for innovation and building strategic partnerships. Mr. Hofer most recently served as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, of BID Group. Prior to joining BID Group, Mr. Hofer held leadership positions with Interfor Corporation for 12 years, including serving as Interfor’s Senior Vice President, Northwest Operations and Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing.
Western is an integrated forest products company building a margin-focused log and lumber business to compete successfully in global softwood markets. With operations and employees located primarily on the coast of British Columbia and Washington State, Western is a premier supplier of high-value, specialty forest products to worldwide markets.
