8-K

                       Securities and Exchange Commission
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):     January 16, 2003


                            P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)


   Pennsylvania                           1-3560                  23-0628360
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(State or Other                     (Commission File         (IRS Employer
Jurisdiction of Incorporation)      Number)                  Identification No.)


 96 South George Street, Suite 500; York, PA                       17401
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            (Address of Principal                                (Zip Code)
            Executive Offices)


                                 (717) 225-4711
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              (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)


                                 Not Applicable
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          (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS

On January 15, 2003, we announced the retirement of Robert Newcomer, President
and Chief Operating Officer, effective June 30, 2003. Prior to retirement Mr.
Newcomer will continue to serve as interim Chief Financial Officer until a new
Chief Financial Officer has been selected and effectively transitioned into the
Company.

George H. Glatfelter II, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will assume the
role of President upon Mr. Newcomer's retirement.

We also announced that Dante C. Parrini, Vice President - Sales and Marketing,
has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager.

ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

99.1  Press release dated January 15, 2003.

                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
hereunto duly authorized.

                                     P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY
                                              (Registrant)


                                     By:   /s/ Robert P. Newcomer
                                           ----------------------
                                     Title: President, Chief Operating Officer
                                     and Acting Chief Financial Officer

EX-99.1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1

            Glatfelter Announces the Retirement of Robert P. Newcomer

York, PA (January 15, 2003) - Glatfelter has announced the retirement of Robert
Newcomer, President and Chief Operating Officer, effective June 30, 2003.

Mr. Newcomer began his career at Glatfelter in 1972 and throughout his tenure,
held increasingly responsible positions, including Controllership positions and
Executive Vice President and CFO. His responsibilities have spanned the
financial functions and all operational aspects of the Company.

Commenting on the retirement, Mr. George Glatfelter II, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, said, "We wish Bob well in his retirement and thank him for
his many years of dedicated service to our Company."

He continued, "In addition to being a trusted business advisor to me, Bob has
been instrumental in the growth of the Company through his leadership in the
acquisition of Schoeller and Hoesch in 1998, our first international business
venture. His leadership was also evident on the IMPACT project, which
implemented a new technology system for the business using SAP software and led
to the development of more efficient business processes throughout the Company."
Mr. Newcomer also serves on the board of directors for Burnham Corporation, York
Hospital, York Health Foundation and Crispus Attucks.

Prior to retirement, Mr. Newcomer will also continue to serve as interim CFO
until a new CFO has been selected and effectively transitioned into the Company.
In this role, he will continue to provide financial leadership, and will assist
in the CFO search process.

George H. Glatfelter II, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will also assume
the role of President upon Mr. Newcomer's retirement.

                                     -more-

GLATFELTER ANNOUNCES THE RETIREMENT OF ROBERT P. NEWCOMER - ADD 1


Glatfelter also announced today that Dante C. Parrini, Vice President - Sales
and Marketing, has been promoted to the newly created position of Senior Vice
President and General Manager. He will report to Mr. Glatfelter. Mr. Parrini,
who joined the Company in 1998, will oversee Glatfelter's global sales and
marketing, new product development, operations and supply chain functions.

Mr. Parrini earned a B.S. in marketing from Gannon University and M.B.A. from
the University of New Hampshire.

Headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, Glatfelter is a global manufacturer of
specialty papers and engineered products. U.S. operations include facilities in
Spring Grove, PA and Neenah, WI. International operations include facilities in
Germany, France and the Philippines.

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