Kurt Barton, the VP and CFO of Tractor Supply Co., has been appointed to the board of directors at KeHE Distributors LLC. This development comes as a significant step for both organizations, particularly given the expertise Barton brings from his extensive 30-year career in finance.
KeHE, a prominent distributor based in Naperville, Illinois, specializes in natural and organic products, as well as specialty items for over 31,000 retailers, including natural food stores and e-commerce platforms across North America. The addition of Barton to the board is expected to bolster KeHE’s financial strategies and performance as the company continues its ambitious growth trajectory.
Barton will play a dual role on the board, serving on the finance committee while also chairing the audit committee. His appointment follows a thorough national search for a candidate who could enhance KeHE’s financial oversight and organizational efficacy. Deb Conklin, President and CEO of KeHE, expressed enthusiasm about Barton’s leadership and expertise, stating, “Kurt brings a combination of strong leadership, significant financial expertise, and a focus on business growth and profitability.” With his seasoned background in finance, Barton is anticipated to make substantial contributions to KeHE’s strategic plans.
During his 25 years at Tractor Supply—a company that has grown remarkably from $700 million to $15 billion in sales—Barton has navigated various roles within the finance domain, including accounting, tax, treasury, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and procurement. His strategic involvement within Tractor Supply has not only facilitated immense growth but has also positioned the retailer as a leader in the rural lifestyle retail sector, boasting over 2,200 stores and employing more than 50,000 individuals nationwide.
Barton is well-prepared for his new responsibilities at KeHE. He is a certified public accountant in Tennessee and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Bob Jones University. His early career started at Ernst & Young, giving him a solid foundation in accounting and financial management that he built upon during his tenure at Tractor Supply.
KeHE’s designation as a Certified B Corporation—and its commitment to sustainable practices—aligns closely with Barton’s professional ethos of promoting profitable business models with an emphasis on responsible practices. The company has demonstrated a continuous commitment to organic and specialty products, a sector enjoying growing consumer demand. This makes Barton’s financial insight particularly valuable as KeHE aims to expand its operations while adhering to its core values and mission.
Barton’s inclusion is timely as KeHE seeks to further its “Food First” strategic initiative, which prioritizes the distribution of natural and organic food products. This strategic move is increasingly pertinent given the rise in consumer demand for healthy, sustainable food options. KeHE’s vision underscores the importance of being a socially responsible distributor, catering to the evolving preferences of health-conscious consumers.
In conclusion, the integration of Kurt Barton into KeHE’s board represents a forward-looking move that combines proven financial leadership with a commitment to growth and sustainability. This synergy fortifies KeHE’s aims to maintain its status as a leading distributor in the natural and organic segments, ensuring that it meets the growing expectations of consumers and retailers alike.
Kurt Barton’s experience and leadership are expected to play a crucial role in not only guiding KeHE through its ongoing strategic initiatives but also in enhancing its overall financial health and corporate governance.
As the world of retail and e-commerce continues to shift, the strategic leadership experienced executives like Barton offers will be essential for companies aiming to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
