Scarlett retires from Tractor Supply board, Wright named chairman

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. Tractor Supply today announced that it has named president and ceo Jim Wright as chairman of the board. Joe Scarlett is retiring from his role as non-executive chairman of the company's board of directors; he has been named chairman emeritus.

Scarlett has been with Tractor Supply for 28 years and has been a key architect in building the company into a leading specialty retailer. Most recently, he served as the chairman of the board from 1993 to 2007. He previously served as ceo from 1993 to 2004 and president and coo of the company from 1987 to 1993.

Wright commented, "Joe Scarlett has been an enthusiastic leader of Tractor Supply, and we have benefited enormously from his guidance and vision for the company. We thank Joe for his loyalty and tremendous contribution to Tractor Supply. We wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors. As we build on the solid foundation of the mission and values that Joe established, we look forward to continuing to grow Tractor Supply and further strengthen its position as the leading specialty retailer serving the needs of those living the rural lifestyle."

Wright has been president and ceo since September 2004, and previously served as president and coo of the company from October 2000. He has served on the board of directors for Tractor Supply since April 2002. He also serves as lead director of Spartan Stores.