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AbitibiBowater names company veterans to new executive team

AbitibiBowater has announced a new executive team who will report directly to Richard Garneau, president and CEO.

AbitibiBowater has announced a new executive team who will report directly to Richard Garneau, president and CEO.

“The executive team we have put in place represents an excellent blend of proven experience and fresh thinking,” stated Garneau. “We believe that with the support of all company employees, we can deliver on our commitment to further reduce costs and enhance our competitiveness. Working as one team, we can respond to the reality of ongoing market challenges and ensure sustained profitability moving forward.”

Alain Boivin will join the company as senior vice-president, pulp and paper operations. Boivin most recently was vice-president of mill operations, central region at Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation and will assume his new responsibilities at AbitibiBowater on March 7, 2011.

Alain Grandmont assumes the role of senior vice-president, human resources and public affairs. Grandmont has held several senior management positions within AbitibiBowater and its predecessors.

William G. Harvey continues in a senior financial role, as senior vice-president and chief financial officer.

John Lafave moves up to senior vice-president, pulp and paper sales and marketing. Lafave has held various senior sales positions with AbitibiBowater and previously held progressive positions in sales with UPM-Kymmene and Repap Enterprises.

Yves Laflamme adds to his portfolio, and is now senior vice-president, wood products, global supply chain and information technology. Laflamme served most recently as senior vice-president, wood products for AbitibiBowater Inc.

Jacques P. Vachon is appointed senior vice-president and chief legal officer. He has been a senior executive of the company since 1997.

AbitibiBowater is a producer of newsprint, commercial printing and packaging papers, market pulp and wood products. The Company owns or operates 18 pulp and paper mills and 24 wood products facilities located in the United States, Canada and South Korea.