Bill Whitacre has been named chief executive officer-elect of the Simplot Company.
Following a transition period, Whitacre will succeed Larry Hlobick, who announced his intention to retire after serving the last seven years as president and CEO.
Whitacre, 55, joined Simplot in March 2000 as president of the company's turf and horticulture business. In 2002, he was appointed president of the AgriBusiness Group.
He currently serves as a board member of the Fertilizer Institute, International Plant Nutrition Institute, Nutrients for Life Foundation and the Farm Foundation. He is a past president of the American Seed Trade Association and Western Seed Association.