Sandfort takes on new role at Tractor Supply

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Tractor Supply Company has announced that, effective Feb. 15, Gregory Sandfort assumed the title of COO in addition to his role as president. As planned, Stanley Ruta, who previously served as EVP and COO, retired from Tractor Supply Company effective Feb. As part of this transition, Ruta served in the role of VP special projects since July 2011.

Jim Wright, chairman and CEO, stated, "Greg has been instrumental in helping to position Tractor Supply better than ever before to seize the considerable opportunities that lie ahead. The transition in assuming responsibility of store operations, which took place in July 2011, has been seamless and we look forward to his ongoing contributions to the company. The structural improvements we have made in recent years continue to gain traction, as we remain intensely focused on consistent execution against our key strategic initiatives."

As president and COO, Sandfort will continue to lead the store operations function in addition to his leadership responsibilities for merchandising, marketing and inventory. Sandfort joined Tractor Supply Company in November 2007 and has served as president and chief merchandising officer of the company since February 2009. He previously served as president and COO at Michaels Stores Inc. and has also held positions of increasing responsibility in merchandising and management at retailers such as Sears Roebuck and Company and Federated Department Stores.