Boise, ID – Garrett Lofto has been promoted to President and CEO of the J.R. Simplot Company after spending nine years leading the Company’s AgriBusiness group. Lofto has spent 26 years working for Simplot, he succeeds Bill Whitacre who announced his retirement in April after nine years at the helm.
“Garrett is an outstanding leader and has the vision to guide the Company into an exciting future,” said Scott Simplot, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. “We’re well positioned for success across our organization and the Simplot family and Board of Directors are confident in his ability to lead us in achieving great things.”
Lofto is the seventh President and CEO since company founder Jack Simplot retired in 1973. He was raised on a farm in southern Manitoba, Canada and has lived in Idaho since 2001. Lofto attended the University of Manitoba graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He received his MBA in 2005.
“I’m honored and humbled that the Board and the Simplot family has entrusted me to lead this great organization as part of the senior leadership team,” said Lofto. “The Company is filled with tremendous talent and leaders and I’m committed to ensuring they have the support they need to make the J.R. Simplot Company the best we can be.”
As President of AgriBusiness, Lofto has guided a diverse and complex $2.5 billion operating division spanning a global marketplace. He successfully initiated and oversaw several major capital expansions that have positioned the Company for long-term success and prosperity. Major accomplishments include the building and launch of the ammonia plant in Rock Springs and continued growth and expansion of both the Simplot Grower Solutions and Simplot Partners retail arms.
As President and CEO, Lofto plans to continue moving to the Company’s One Simplot strategic focus that will enhance efficiencies and agility across all of the business lines.
Lofto sits on the Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, The Fertilizer Institute, Nutrients for Life Foundation and the International Plant Nutrition Institute. He and his wife, Carol, reside in Eagle, Idaho and have three boys. They enjoy numerous sporting activities and the outdoors.
Lofto will assume his role as President and CEO as soon as transitions can be completed. A thorough search will commence soon to fill the AgriBusiness leadership role.
About Simplot
The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held agribusiness firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho, 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. Simplot’s major operations are located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, and China, with products marketed in more than 40 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.simplot.com.
