Haslam Returns to Role as Pilot Flying J CEO

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Jimmy Haslam could not stay away from his first love as CEO of Pilot Flying J.

Following his purchase of the National Football League's Cleveland Browns franchise, Haslam resigned from his post as CEO of Pilot Flying J and hired John Compton, former president at PepsiCo Inc., to take his place six months ago.

However, the travel center operator announced today that Haslam will return to his former post, reported the Knoxville News Sentinel. Haslam stressed the move had nothing to do with Compton's job performance.

"This is about me realizing my first love is running Pilot Flying J and wanting to return to that job," Haslam said, the news outlet reported.

Compton will become a strategic advisor to Pilot Flying J, the Browns and the Haslam family.

According to the news source, a team of executives have been hired to run the Cleveland Browns since Haslam bought the team last year.

Knoxville, Tenn.-based Pilot Flying J operates more than 600 travel centers and travel plazas throughout North America.