LUFKIN, TX - 2017 will bring new leadership to grocery chain Brookshire Brothers. The company announced that President and CEO Jerry Johnson will be stepping down from his role at the end of April 2017, and current COO John Alston will be stepping up. 

Johnson began his time with Brookshires in 1997, joining the company’s Board of Directors. In 1999, he stepped up as the company’s CAO (Chief Administration Officer), helping Brookshires during its transition to a majority employee-owned company. Johnson served as Chairman of the Board from 2003 through 2007, the same time at which he assumed his current role of President and CEO. According to a press release, he will continue as a member of the chain's Board of Directors after his departure. 

During Johnson’s tenure, Brookshires grew from 69 locations to its current 114. What began as a family-owned company with 5,700 employees, the company head helped push to becoming 100 percent employee-owned with nearly 7,000 employee-owners. 

“Jerry’s legacy as a great leader is firmly embedded in the hearts and minds of our Brookshire Brothers’ family,” Alston stated about the departing company leader. “From transitioning the company from private family ownership to an ESOP, Jerry has worked tirelessly as an advocate for our employee-owners.” 

Alston, currently COO, has spent 35 years in service of the company. Alston has served as Store Director, District Director, Chief Operating Officer, and member of its Board of Directors.

“John has the leadership ability and experience to lead our company through the challenges ahead and has the confidence of both the Board and Brookshire Brothers’ employee-owners,” Johnson shared about his successor.

What will new leadership and a new year bring to the longtime retailer? Keep following the team at AndNowUKnow for more!

Brookshire Brothers