International Paper Names New Chairman

International Paper Co., the nation’s largest forest-products firm, said Wednesday that President and Chief Executive John A. Georges will become chairman April 9 on the retirement of Edwin A. Gee, 64.

Georges, 53, will retain the chief executive title. Succeeding him as president will be Paul H. O’Neill, currently senior vice president in charge of paperboard and packaging operations.

Georges came to International Paper in 1979 after 28 years at Du Pont Co. As executive vice president, he had responsibility for IP’s vast land, timber and wood-products operations. He was named president and chief operating officer in October, 1981, and chief executive last September.

New York-based International Paper, the largest industrial landowner in the country, reported sales of $3.57 billion and a 4% increase in profits to $193.9 million for the nine months ended Sept. 30.

But in December it announced that it will take a $150-million charge against fourth-quarter earnings to cover anticipated losses on several plant closures and red ink from its wood-products business.

“One of the tough problems we face is the very strong dollar, which impacts our export products and prices a good deal,” Georges said in an interview. “There are major uncertainties. If the dollar weakened, we could compete better. And it’s not just us--it’s other exporters too.”

Nevertheless, he said, “1985 is going to be an exciting year” as IP begins to see the gains from its continuing, costly mill-modernization program. Earnings “are coming on stream” this year from a $500-million remodernization of its Georgetown, S.C., plant and a similar project costing “several hundred million dollars” in Mobile, Ala., he said.