Tractor Supply Co. has announced the extension of president and CEO Hal Lawton’s employment contract and key transitions on its board of directors.
The Tractor Supply board has elected long-standing member Edna Morris as chair. Morris will succeed Cynthia Jamison, who is retiring effective May 11, following the company’s 2023 annual meeting of stockholders. Tractor Supply added that Tom Kingsbury has resigned from the board as he takes up his new responsibilities as Kohl’s Corp. CEO.
Morris has executive leadership experience in restaurant and investment organizations and currently serves as chair of the Tractor Supply compensation committee and as a member of the corporate governance and nominating committee, the company noted.
Lawton’s employment contract includes another three years covered to 2026, with an evergreen extension going forward.
“This is an exciting time to be leading Tractor Supply, as we celebrate our 85th anniversary this year. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to build on our resilient and proven business model. Together with our board, our leadership team and more than 50,000 incredibly dedicated team members, I believe we are well-positioned to continue to deliver long-term growth and value creation,” said Lawton.
As for its music deal, now through March 15, emerging artists can submit an original song inspired by the Out Here lifestyle, as the retail refers to its strategic focus, to tractorsupply.com/emergingartists. Tractor Supply will name five emerging artists in May who it will pair with an established mentor. Two-time CMA Awards winner and Tractor Supply brand ambassador Lainey Wilson will head up the program and will be joined by Jimmie Allen, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde and Kat & Alex.
The five selected emerging artists will travel to Nashville, TN, to collaborate with their mentors, record their songs at a premier studio, meet industry executives and open for Wilson at an exclusive event in June, according to Tractor Supply. The selected artists will also earn a spot on Ole Red on the Rise Presented by Tractor Supply, an Opry Entertainment Group series kicking off June 7 at Ole Red on Broadway. In addition, each artist will have the chance to perform alongside Wilson on the Grand Ole Opry stage and appear in an upcoming Circle Network 30-minute special set to premiere this fall.
