Sep 09, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. Georgia-Pacific Corp. announced Richard "Rick" G. Urschel has been named president - chemical for Georgia-Pacific, effective September 1. He succeeds Mario Concha who retired August 31. Urschel joined the company in 1999 with more than 20 years of industry experience, which included finance, business development and general management responsibilities. He has extensive international experience, having been stationed abroad and having served as vice president - international for a privately held producer of specialty steels. Since joining Georgia-Pacific, he has been responsible for the chemical division's South American operations as well as raw material procurement and the domestic wood adhesives and paper chemicals businesses. "Rick Urschel is a capable leader who has the skills and experience to build on Mario's accomplishments. Rick will continue to strategically position Georgia-Pacific's chemical business for success in the challenges to come," said David Paterson executive vice president - building products. Concha, who turned 65 in August, was a seven-year veteran who joined Georgia-Pacific after serving in several other key executive leadership roles with Union Carbide and Occidental Chemical in the United States and Europe. "Mario provided Georgia-Pacific's chemical group with outstanding leadership during his tenure with us," said Paterson, "Through his strategic efforts, the division has developed a strong international presence and significantly increased its profits from customers outside of the company. His strong emphasis on new product development, plant automation and continuous improvement in manufacturing and sales has improved margins and lowered costs. International alliances have successfully positioned our chemical business in rapidly growing markets. We wish Mario the best in his retirement and thank him for his many contributions to Georgia-Pacific." Headquartered at Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of tissue, packaging, paper, building products and related chemicals. With 2004 annual sales of approximately $20 billion, the company employs 55,000 people at more than 300 locations in North America and Europe.