After 55 years with company, Houchens CEO to retire

PRESS RELEASE: At a January 24th Board of Directors meeting, Jimmie Gipson, after nearly 55 years of service with the company, announced his retirement effective March 31st, 2020. The Board of Directors has elected Executive Vice President Dion Houchins to succeed Jimmie as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.

Jimmie Gipson started his career at Houchens Industries BB #:167776 in 1965 almost immediately after graduating from college at The Bowling Green Business University (now Western Kentucky University). After serving in several positions in the accounting department and performing a leading role in the conversion of Houchens from private ownership to an ESOP in 1988, Jimmie was elected CEO in February of 1993. He has held that position for 27 years. During his tenure as CEO, Houchens Industries grew from a regional retail grocery company to a multi-billion dollar conglomerate.

Pete Mahurin, long time Houchens Industries Board member, was reminiscent of the remarkable evolution the company experienced under Jimmie’s leadership. As a long time financial leader in the Bowling Green community, he spoke to the legacy that Jimmie created as an “Advocate of Philanthropy” in the communities that Houchens Industries has serviced over the years. He also spoke to Jimmie’s “Commitment, work ethic, compassion, and ability to always think and act at the level of the Houchens Industries organization. I have never met any one person in all my years, that has contributed to people and places in a broader, more meaningful way.”

Dion Houchins joined Houchens Industries in February of 2009 and has served as Executive Vice President for 11 years. Dion has an extensive career in accounting and finance and is a graduate of Western Kentucky University.