VANCOUVER, GLOBE NEWSWIRE — Finning International Inc. has announced today that Doug Whitehead is retiring as board chair and board member effective January 15, 2019, after 20 years with Finning. Doug joined Finning in 1999 as chief operating officer and took the reins as chief executive officer in 2000. Over the next eight years, he presided over one of the strongest growth periods in Finning’s history. In 2008, after achieving many years of record results, Doug retired as CEO and joined Finning’s Board, where he served as board chair for all but one year.
Hal Kvisle, an independent director, will succeed Whitehead as Board Chair. Kvisle joined Finning’s Board in July 2017, bringing decades of leadership experience in the oil and gas, utilities, and power generation industries, including nine years as president and chief executive officer of TransCanada Corporation.
Finning also announced the appointment of Edward (Ted) Seraphim as an independent director to the board of directors effective January 15, 2019. Mr. Seraphim has over 33 years of operations, marketing and sales experience in the forest products industry. Currently, he is chief executive officer of West Fraser Timber Company Limited, which he joined in 1997. Prior to becoming CEO, Mr. Seraphim held the roles of president and chief operating officer and vice president, Pulp & Paper at West Fraser. Before joining West Fraser, he worked for Fletcher Challenge Canada. Mr. Seraphim holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and is a Chartered Accountant.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to recognize Doug for his tremendous contributions and leadership during his 20 years with Finning. Doug has been a great leader and a fundamental part of Finning’s success. We are also pleased to welcome Ted to Finning’s Board. He brings extensive business experience and leadership. We look forward to benefitting from his insight and leveraging his direct industry knowledge,” said Mr. Kvisle.