Hampton Lumber today announced the appointment of Chris Walton as Chief Executive Officer. Walton succeeds Steve Zika, who has served as Interim CEO since December 2025.
Over the past thirty years, Walton has held leadership positions at the company across multiple departments, including manufacturing, finance, information technology, and business development. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Walton served as Hampton’s Chief Financial Officer, helping to guide the company’s growth, strategic investments, and long-term business planning.
“Chris has played an instrumental role in Hampton’s success and has earned the trust and respect of our employees, business partners, and the Hampton family,” said Zika. “He brings a deep understanding of our business and company culture and offers a clear vision for Hampton’s future.”
In a joint statement, Jamey Hampton, Elizabeth Hampton, and David Hampton said, “Our family is excited to have Chris at the helm. Chris knew our father, John Hampton, and he understands the values and culture he instilled at the company.”
“I’ve spent my career at Hampton learning from talented people across every part of the business,” said Walton. “What gives me confidence about the future is the strength of our team, our values, and our willingness to keep investing in our people, our operations, and our communities. We have a strong foundation and exciting opportunities ahead.”
Under Walton’s leadership, Hampton will continue advancing its mission to grow, manufacture, and market renewable wood products and deliver innovative solutions for a more sustainable built environment.
About Hampton
Lumber Hampton Lumber is a fourth-generation, family-owned company headquartered in Portland, Oregon. With more than 80 years in the sawmill business, Hampton operates mills in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia and is currently constructing a new mill in South Carolina. The company markets wood products worldwide through a wholesale and lumber export division, numerous reload locations, and several remanufacturing and advanced wood manufacturing facilities through its affiliates, TRAPA Forest Products, Idaho Timber, and RedBuilt.
All of Hampton’s forestlands are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), an independent, non-profit organization that promotes sustainable forest management. SFI certified forests play an important role in water conservation, wildlife habitat, and climate solutions. Learn more at hamptonlumber.com and follow @hamptonlumber and @hamptonfamforests on Instagram, and @HamptonLumber on Facebook.
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