VANCOUVER (From news reports) -- Western Forest Products Inc. is searching for a new president and chief executive with the retirement of Don Demens next month.

The Vancouver-based company says Demens will continue in his role until a replacement has been found to ensure a smooth transition.

Demens says in a news release that he is "proud of what we have accomplished at Western."

Board chairman Michael Waites thanked Demens for his role in transforming the company into a leading North American softwood supplier over the past 13 years, including nine as CEO.

Western is a log and lumber producer with operations on the coast of British Columbia and Washington State.

It has lumber capacity in excess of one billion board feet from seven sawmills and four remanufacturing facilities.