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Wilco, a farmer-owned co-operative, announced John Bowersox is their new CEO. Bowersox will succeed Sam Bugarsky, who is retiring from Wilco after a 35-plus-year career.
“We interviewed numerous qualified candidates for the CEO position and John’s experience in a cooperative system and his experience in the rural lifestyle retail business, along with his desire to be back in the Pacific Northwest, weighed in his favor,” says Ben Coleman, Wilco board chair. “The Board of Directors is confident that John can seamlessly fit into our culture and continue the collaborative leadership style that Wilco is known for.”
Bowersox brings over 17 years of leadership experience to Wilco. Most recently he worked for Fleet Farm. Prior to his time at Fleet Farm, Bowersox spent around four years with True Value and Kohler Co.
“We will miss Sam’s steady and strong leadership and appreciate everything he’s done to create an inclusive culture and successful company,” Coleman says. “At the same time, we are happy for his retirement from Wilco and are excited to have John’s wealth of experience join our team as our new CEO.”
Bowersox is originally from Michigan and currently lives in Appleton, Wisconsin, and plans to relocate to the Pacific Northwest before he starts in January.
“I am humbled, honored, and extremely excited to join the Wilco family,” Bowersox says. “I would like to thank the Board of Directors for this opportunity and congratulate Sam on a wonderful career. I look forward to working closely with Wilco leadership, our employees, members and customers to build collectively on the history of this great cooperative as we chart a path to achieve continued success together.”
