Bill Whitacre succeeds Doyle Jacklin, who retired May 5 after serving as head of Simplot Turf and Horticulture since its inception in 1997.

Whitacre, whose office is located at Simplot Turf and Horticulture headquarters in Post Falls, Idaho, is responsible for the business’s operations and financial matters.

"Bill was hired after a national search, and I’m very pleased to have him with us," said Simplot President and CEO Steve Beebe. "We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber to succeed a leader like Doyle Jacklin."

Before joining Simplot Turf and Horticulture, Whitacre served 24 years with Research Seeds, a St. Joseph, Missouri firm engaged in the development, production and marketing of proprietary forage and turf seed. He most recently was president of Research Seeds.

Whitacre said he joined Simplot Turf and Horticulture because the company has exciting plans for its turf and horticulture business.

"I am enthused about the vision that company leaders have for us, and prospects for growth are excellent," he said.

Simplot Turf and Horticulture is a major global supplier of seed and fertilizer to the turfgrass and horticultural industries.

Whitacre is a former president of the American Seed Trade Association, Western Seed Association and Field Seed Institute of North America.