Columbia Flooring
has announced the retirement of its president David Wootton and said he will be
succeeded by Greg Pray, who joined the company as executive vice president in
Sept. 2006. Pray previously served as director of distribution and marketing
services for the high-pressure laminate manufacturer Nevamar. He will begin his
new post April 1 and will be based at Columbia’s Danville, Va., headquarters.
In making the announcement, Harry Demorest, president
and CEO of parent company Columbia Forest Products, said Pray was a good choice
to lead the 40-year old hardwood maker.
“Since
joining Columbia in September of last year as executive vice president, Greg
has done an outstanding job of setting the direction and gaining the confidence
of the division,” Demorest said. “Under his leadership, and that of the team he
has put in place, I am confident that we are well positioned to take advantage
of the inevitable rebound in the housing and remodeling markets.”
The company noted that Wootton, who had previously announced
his plans to retire once a successor was in place, will stay active with the
company. Wootton is credited with expanding the company’s presence through
acquisitions and strategic partnerships. He also expanded Columbia’s European
and Asian distribution network, for products manufactured at the company’s
Malaysian engineered hardwood flooring facilities and its US plants.