Bill Whitacre, chief executive officer of the Boise, Idaho, USA-headquartered J.R. Simplot Company, has announced that he will retire on August 31 after 18 years at the helm and 40 years in the agriculture industry. It is expected that his successor will be promoted from within the organization.
In addition to ranking as one of the world’s leading producers of frozen potato products, the privately-held agribusiness firm’s integrated portfolio includes vegetables, other foods, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture. Its major operations are located in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and China, with products marketed in more than 40 countries worldwide.
CEO Bill WhitacreWhitacre joined the company in March of 2000 as president of Simplot’s turf and horticulture business, then was appointed president of the Simplot AgriBusiness Group, and became chief executive officer in 2009. He is the sixth ceo to hold the position after founder Jack Simplot stepped down in 1973.
“Bill has been a highly successful and visionary leader who has helped us reach new heights and expand our global presence,” said Scott Simplot, chairman of the board of directors. “The company, the board and the extended Simplot family thank him for his leadership and commitment.”
As chief executive officer, Whitacre has expanded the company’s international footprint and enhanced its position with communities, industries, customers and employees. By strengthening Simplot’s competitive position and growing its global presence, he has overseen an increase in revenues from approximately US $4.5 billion to $6 billion today.
