The Westervelt Company President and CEO Brian Luoma will retire at the end of 2023, the company announced April 27. Luoma joined Westervelt in 2017, and his tenure has been marked by growth of the company, most notably the expansion of the lumber business through the construction of a new lumber mill in Thomasville, Alabama.
Cade Warner, who became chief operating officer effective January 1, 2023, and recently appointed to the board of directors, has been selected to succeed Luoma effective January 2024. He joined Westervelt in 2017 and has held roles in strategy and planning, sustainability and continuous improvement.
“When I joined Westervelt, I found a company loaded with talent,” Luoma said. “I am very proud of everything we accomplished as a team, particularly the continued development of our people and their relentless commitment to our customers and the quality of our products and services.”
Lumoa said he and Warner will work closely throughout the remainder of this year as they transition leadership.
“Sustainability has been a core value for Westervelt for more than a century, and it will continue to expand under Cade’s leadership,” Lumoa said. “I am very excited to see what the future holds for Cade and the next generation of leaders at The Westervelt Company.”
Rob Taylor, chairman of the board, said Westervelt has been working toward this transition for some time, and both Brian and Cade created an opportunity for a seamless shift in leadership.
“Brian has done an excellent job leading the company, especially during the uncertainty of the pandemic years, and we appreciate his dedication to growing the company and the capability of our employees,” Taylor said. “We are eager to welcome Cade to the board and into his new role. His experience and passion for this industry will be essential in continuing to guide the growth of the Company.”
Elsewhere, Westervelt promoted Mark Richardson, who is the 2022-23 Southern Forest Products Association board chairman, to vice president and general manager-wood products, effective January 1, 2023.