Cascades Inc. names new CEO, Mario Plourde will retire

Hugues Simon, newly appointed President and CEO of Cascades. (CNW Group/Cascades Canada ULC.)

KINGSEY FALLS – Cascades Inc. announces the appointment of Mr. Hugues Simon as its new President and CEO. Mr. Simon, currently President of the Wood Products Division at Resolute Forest Products, will begin his new role no later than July 1, 2024. The appointment follows a succession planning and recruitment process supported by an international company in anticipation of Mario Plourde's retirement plans. Mr. Plourde will support the new President and CEO during a transition period until December 2024 and then serve as a special advisor.

Hugues Simon holds a degree in Administration from the Université de Sherbrooke and has experience in key positions in the manufacturing sector, including as President of the Wood Products Division at Resolute Forest Products. Previously, Mr. Simon was President of BarretteWood Inc., where he served from 2012 to 2020.

“We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Hugues as President and CEO,” said Patrick Lemaire, Chairman of Cascades. “His extensive leadership experience in the industrial products sector will be of great benefit to the company and our customers. His track record demonstrates a strong commitment to operational excellence and we have full confidence that his expertise and experience will contribute to Cascades’ continued success and create value for our shareholders.”

“It is with great humility that I join the team at Cascades, a company with a rich history and deep-rooted values. I am proud to join a company considered a pioneer in recycling and the circular economy, committed to innovation and a customer-centric approach, reflected in the quality of its products and its employees,” said Hugues Simon. “I look forward to working with all employees and continuing the important work begun under Mario’s leadership to ensure the company’s long-term growth and value creation.” I would like to thank the Cascades Board of Directors for their trust.”

“It is with great emotion that I announce my retirement after nearly 40 years at Cascades. It was a great privilege to work with the Lemaire family and the entire Cascades team. “I leave knowing that the company is in an excellent position as it embarks on this new chapter,” said Mario Plourde, President and CEO of Cascades. “I would like to thank the Board of Directors, the management team, our shareholders and all of our employees for their tireless efforts. It is time for me to pass the torch and I am confident that Hugues’ expertise and experience will enable him to successfully lead Cascades.”