Bill Whitacre, CEO of the J.R. Simplot Company, has announced his retirement. Whitacre served as the company’s sixth CEO since founder Jack Simplot stepped down in 1973. He retires after an 18-year career with the J. R. Simplot Company, the past nine as CEO.
“Bill has been a highly successful and visionary leader who has helped the J.R. Simplot Company reach new heights and expand our global presence,” says Scott Simplot, chairman of Simplot’s board of directors. “The company, the board and the extended Simplot family thank him for his leadership and commitment.”
Whitacre joined Simplot in March 2000 as president of Simplot’s turf and horticulture business. In 2002, he was appointed president of the Simplot AgriBusiness Group and was named CEO in 2009. Whitacre has more than 40 years of experience in the agriculture industry.
As CEO of the J. R. Simplot Company, Whitacre has expanded the company’s international footprint and enhanced its position with communities, industries, customers and employees. By strengthening the company’s competitive position and growing its global presence, Whitacre has overseen an increase in revenues from approximately $4.5 billion to $6 billion today.
“It has been an honor to lead this great company,” says Whitacre. “The agriculture industry continues to offer significant opportunities, and the J. R. Simplot Company is well-positioned to continue its leadership position earned over the past 90 years.”
Whitacre’s retirement date is Aug. 31. The company expects to select its next CEO from internal candidates.