Mercer International Inc. announces leadership transition

Mercer International Inc. is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has implemented a leadership transition plan that capitalizes on the strength and depth of management.

Mr. Jimmy S.H. Lee, currently Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), President, and Chairman of the Company, will transition to Executive Chairman of the Board, effective July 20, 2015. At that time, Mr. David M. Gandossi, Mercer’s current Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) will assume the role of President and CEO and become a Director. Mercer is also pleased to announce that Mr. David K. Ure, the Senior Vice-President, Finance will concurrently become the CFO and Secretary of the Company.

Mr. Jimmy S.H. Lee stated: “It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Mercer’s CEO and one of its founders. In my new role, I will be responsible for focusing upon developing Mercer’s overall corporate strategy, capital market activities and corporate development initiatives.  I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and the senior management team as Mercer enters its next chapter of growth and success. I have had the opportunity to work closely with David Gandossi over the past decade, during which time David has demonstrated his dedication and operational aptitude, and I believe that David will excel as Mercer’s next CEO.

Mr. David Gandossi said, “I am very excited and humbled by this opportunity and am pleased to be taking on this exciting new role. On behalf of everyone at Mercer, I would like to thank Jimmy for his leadership and vision over the past 23 years which has been instrumental in building the Company. As Executive Chairman, Jimmy will continue to be actively involved with the Company by lending his expertise to the development of Mercer’s strategic goals and initiatives. I look forward to being able to continue working with Jimmy in the execution of the Company’s strategic affairs.”

Mr. Gandossi further stated, “I also want to congratulate David Ure. Since returning to Mercer in 2013, David has become an important member of the management team and is well respected for his extensive forest products industry experience.” He concluded, “I look forward to working with the Mercer team as we continue to execute our strategy to realize the full operational and financial potential at Mercer on behalf of all our stakeholders.”