Agribusiness Pioneer Passes The Baton

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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFor the first time since its founding 60 years ago, Sheridan-based JBS United Inc. has a new leader. Doug Webel, former chief operating officer of the company’s Animal Nutrition & Health Group is now president and CEO. Founder John Swisher has been named chairman emeritus.
Along with all the changes that took effect last month, John Corbett became chairman. He has been with the company since 1991 and for the last 10 years has served as managing director.
Swisher founded JBS United in 1956 as United Feeds. The company currently employs 340 workers in 23 countries. In the mid-1950s, Swisher borrowed $25,000 from his parents and mother-in-law and launched United Feeds as a new way to sell livestock feed. His methods of building a sales force to sell directly to farmers has since become a standard.
"These 60 years have been an amazing journey," he said. "I’ve always considered myself good at finding talented people. I couldn’t be happier with our leadership team at JBS United and am confident in the next 60 years of the organization."
Other changes include:
- Promoting Managing Director Ellen Swisher Crabb to Vice Chairwoman
- Trent Torrance to Vice President of Animal Nutrition & Health
- Steve Biddle to Vice President of Grain
- President Don Orr retired as in May and will continue with the board as president emeritus