Exhibit 99.1
For Immediate Release
WEST FRASER SENIOR LEADERSHIP TRANSITION PLAN
VANCOUVER, B.C., August 10, 2023 Hank Ketcham, Chairman of West Frasers Board of Directors, (West Fraser or the
Company) (TSX and NYSE: WFG) announced today that Ray Ferris, our President and Chief Executive Officer, plans to retire on December 31, 2023.
Ray has been with West Fraser for over 26 years in increasingly senior positions culminating in his appointment as President and Chief Operating Officer in
2018 and as President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company in 2019.
During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer the Company has
grown substantially in sales, profits, product mix and geographic diversification. In addition, Ray has driven our strong commitment to continual improvement in our safety, environmental and people programs.
Today, West Fraser is announcing the appointment of Sean McLaren, our current Chief Operating Officer, as our new President and Chief Executive Officer
effective January 1, 2024. Sean has been with West Fraser and predecessor companies for 35 years. He is a proven leader who is committed to our operating philosophy of low cost production and a prudent balance sheet which enables the Company to
grow through capital improvements and strategic growth opportunities. Sean will continue West Frasers commitment to our strong safety, environmental and people focused culture.
West Fraser has benefited immeasurably from Rays strong leadership and our Board enthusiastically looks forward to our continued growth and success
under Sean McLarens leadership.
About West Fraser
West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. From responsibly
sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, the Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other residuals, and renewable energy. West Frasers products are
used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials. For more information about West Fraser, visit www.westfraser.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains
certain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including about potential future developments, in particular those relating to
the announced retirement of Mr. Ferris, the transition plan and appointment of Mr. McLaren as President and Chief Executive Officer and the timing of such events and developments, the ability of the Company to grow through capital
improvements and strategic growth opportunities and to maintain low cost production and a prudent balance sheet to support such growth plans. Any such forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are based on
assumptions and analyses made by us considering our experience and our perception of historical trends and current conditions