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.