Brookshire Brothers Makes Several Executive Changes
LUFKIN, Texas -- Brookshire Brothers announced leadership changes consisting of several internal promotions, according to a news release. President and CEO Jerry Johnson made the official announcement on Sept. 20 at the company's bi-weekly operations meeting.
"These promotions are indicative of a strong talent pool within our company. The difficult business climate demands we put the right people in the positions of our company that will increase our strength in a competitive situation," Johnson said. "Brookshire Brothers had a successful [fiscal year] 2011 and is looking at expanding its company in 2012 as it integrates new systems that will streamline and strengthen it."
Clay Oliver, formerly head of the treasury department, will become the company's chief financial officer, according to the release. Since joining the company in 2004, Oliver has initiated a number of projects that resulted in substantial savings for Brookshire Brothers. "Having some relatively young people in key roles situates the company to navigate the new consumer we are facing," stated Oliver.
Former accounting director Jessica Brown will become vice president of accounting. Brown, who graduated with a Master's degree in Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University, joined the company as a staff accountant in 1999 before becoming a financial analyst. She recently integrated Brookshire Brothers' and Polk Oil's accounting. "I am excited to see Brookshire Brothers grow their employees by promoting from within the company," Brown said.
Jule Tatum Fenley will serve as Brookshire Brothers' general counsel. Fenley, an expert in employment law, graduated from Southern Methodist University School of Law and has been the company's corporate counsel since 2007. Previously, Fenley served as counsel for law firm Fenley & Bate LLP and in-house counsel for Temple Inland Forest Products Corp. and Rosewood Properties.
Polk Oil's former CFO Keith Williams will become vice president of petroleum and convenience store operations. Before Polk merged with Brookshire Brothers in 2007, Williams set up practices that helped grow Polk and has since developed strategies to create a unified and integrated accounting department, according to the release.
Auditor Brian Tyler will become the company's director of treasury. Tyler, a graduate of the University of North Texas, has considerable experience in the banking and lending industry, in addition to being an original member of the Eli Young Band. Fellow auditor Greg Huggins will become director of internal audit. Huggins, a former store director, is a 23-year veteran of Brookshire Brothers.
Founded in 1921, Brookshire Brothers currently operates 72 supermarkets in rural areas and the Houston metro region, and is one of the largest retail outlets of Conoco fuel, the company stated. Brookshire Brothers also operates 30 Polk Pick It Up convenience stores.