Forest products industry names Temple-Inland exec top CEO

RISI, a leading information provider for the global forest products industry, on August 11 announced that Temple-Inland chairman and chief executive officer Doyle R. Simons has been selected as this year's RISI North American CEO of the Year for the forest products industry.

Each year, RISI surveys investment analysts and portfolio managers to make nominations for the award based on such criteria as leadership, vision and company performance. The 2009 award will be presented to Simons on September 15th at the 24th North American Forest Products Conference in San Diego, Calif.

"I am deeply honored that Temple-Inland is being recognized for its solid performance in a year of unprecedented economic challenges," said Simons. "This award is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of each of our employees. It is particularly gratifying that our team's outstanding execution of our key objectives to maximize return on investment and profitably grow our business is acknowledged and valued by the investment community."

In nominating him for the award, one analyst said, "Doyle's leadership at Temple over the past year was impressive. Even in a very challenging operating environment, Temple was able to deliver strong results. The company's intense focus on cost reduction, productivity, and ROI permeated both the corrugated and the wood products business. At the same time, the company has managed its financial metrics well, investing prudently, minimizing pension risk, and maximizing cash flow. Complacency is not an option at Temple; rather, the company is continually focused on improving its operations -- and I believe that focus is dictated by Doyle and his leadership team."

In nominating Doyle for CEO of the Year, another analyst noted "[My vote is for] Doyle Simons for his excellent performance in his first year as a CEO. I think he has led TIN brilliantly through the current downturn."

Simons joined Temple-Inland Inc. in 1992 serving in various capacities, including corporate attorney, director of investor relations, vice president of administration, chief administrative officer and executive vice president. Prior to joining Temple-Inland, he practiced with Hutcheson and Grundy, L.L.P., in Houston.

Simons serves on the board of directors of Fiserv Inc. and the American Forest & Paper Association. He is a member of the Texas Governor's Business Council, serves on the Advisory Council and Energy Task Force of the College of Natural Sciences and the Advisory Council of the Texas Memorial Museum at The University of Texas at Austin.

He holds a bachelor of business administration degree from Baylor University and a doctor of jurisprudence from The University of Texas at Austin. He is also a graduate of the Stanford University Executive Program and is a member of the State Bar of Texas.

For more information on RISI's 24th North American Forest Products Conference, visit www.risiinfo.com/na_conf.