FEDERAL WAY, Wash., Dec. 14 -- Weyerhaeuser Company today announced that Richard Thomas, 51, has been named vice president, Fine Paper effective Dec. 27. He succeeds Michael A. Jackson who has been named senior vice president, Pulp and White Paper. In his new role, Thomas will report directly to Jackson and will be responsible for Weyerhaeuser's Fine Paper business. Weyerhaeuser is one of the world's largest producers of office and publishing paper. "Richard has nearly 25 years of extensive experience in the paper business, making him an excellent choice to lead our Fine Paper business," Jackson said. "I look forward to the contributions he will make in helping us meet the needs of our customers across all of our channels to market." Thomas began his career in 1980 with Champion International. After holding several management positions with Champion, Thomas joined Willamette Industries in 1992. In 1999, he was named vice president, Business and Converting Papers for Weyerhaeuser, a position he held until being named to his new role. Thomas is a 1976 graduate of Dickinson College and holds a master of business administration from Xavier University. He also attended the Stanford University executive program in 2000.