J.R. Simplot CEO to retire

A press release from J.R. Simplot Company on April 6 announced that CEO Bill Whitacre is retiring on Aug. 31 after an 18-year career with the company, the past nine as CEO. Whitacre was the company’s sixth CEO since company founder Jack Simplot stepped down in 1973. As CEO of the J. R. Simplot Company, Whitacre 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. The company said it expects to select its next CEO from internal candidates. The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held agribusiness firm headquartered in Boise, ID, has an integrated portfolio that includes phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, food processing, food brands, and other enterprises related to agriculture. — WLJ