Apr 10, 2018Simplot CEO plans to retire
The leader of one of Idaho’s agri-business giants, J.R. Simplot, is planning on retiring in August, according to local media.
Bill Whitacre has headed Simplot for nine years, but he’s worked for the iconic agribusiness for twice as long. Whitacre first came to the company in 2000 to lead Simplot’s turf and horticulture business. He then worked his way up the executive chain until assuming the CEO job in 2009, said Boise State Public Radio.
Whitacre is the Boise-based agribusiness company’s sixth CEO since founder Jack Simplot stepped down in 1973, according to the Idaho Business Review. Further, the IBR reported that he has worked for Simplot for 18 years, the last nine as CEO and that during his leadership, the company grew in revenues from about $4.5 billion to $6 billion.
Whitacre will officially retire at the end of August. Simplot says it expects to hire a new CEO internally.
